Councils unite to fight Everton FC Kirkby stadium plan

Tesco and Knowsley Council - whose planning committee approved the scheme in June - want to build a huge retail complex alongside the stadium.

But the Government called the proposals in for a public inquiry last month.

Sefton, St Helens, West Lancashire and Lancashire councils will pool their resources and be represented by one barrister when the inquiry starts on November 18.

Liverpool has decided to appoint its own counsel, saying its objections need arguing separately.

Destination Kirkby was called in to an inquiry by the Government.

In a report to go before Sefton's cabinet next Thursday, the borough's planning and economic regeneration director, Andy Wallis, estimates the cost of legal counsel will be £100,000. He added the four authorities will also pitch in a total of £75,000 for specialist retail advice.

It is understood Liverpool City Council is preparing to spend a further £100,000 on its counsel, but will be acting alone.

In his report, Mr Wallis said: "Sefton is not alone in its concerns. St Helens, West Lancs and Lancashire County Council have all expressed similar reservations."

It is thought Liverpool decided to act alone because its concerns are about the impact Destination Kirkby will have on the city centre, rather than just rival high streets.

West Lancashire District Council said last night: "The first reason is mutual interest.

"St Helens, Sefton and West Lancs are all local planning and regeneration authorities, and we are concerned about the adverse impact on retail centres in our areas of the huge over-development that is proposed at Kirkby. Lancashire County Council also shares this view.

"The second reason is that, like all right-thinking local authorities, we are looking for efficiency, effectiveness and economy. If we were all to mount separate defences of our position the cost to the public purse would be astronomical."