Everton Kirkby inquiry: How will UK downturn impact on stadium plan?

The current economic downturn also played a significant part in yesterday's cross examination of Mike Hollis, Knowsley Council's witness on retail and regeneration.

Roger Lancaster, for the combined authorities opposing the bid, believes that a massive investment in Kirkby will hit neighbouring Skelmersdale's own regeneration plans.

Mr Hollis agreed that the Secretary of State would need to consider whether the proposal would have an impact on investment in Skelmersdale.

But St Modwen, the developers for Skelmersdale, had indicated they were reviewing their investment proposals in view of the downturn in the housing market.

While St Modwen was having to "marshal" its schemes, Mr Hollis did not agree the Kirkby proposals would leave the Skelmersdale project "dead in the water".

He went on to say that, if the Secretary of State turned down the Kirkby proposals, she would be aware that there was a chance that neither town centre would be redeveloped.

Mr Hollis also pointed out that he had not yet seen a planning application for the Skelmersdale development, despite the fact correspondence had suggested it would be in before the end of this year. Inspector Ms Burden also asked the main economic experts representing both sides of the case to produce tables setting out the quantitative need for a vast retail park on the edge of the Merseyside town.

Evening sessions planned for inquiry

THE inquiry will get under way again on Tuesday, January 6 at 1pm when Gary Halman, a planning expert for Knowsley, will give his evidence.

It will then run until January 30 and include a series of evening sessions to allow busy residents to get their views across.

Up to the Christmas break, the inquiry has been hearing evidence from Everton FC, Tesco, and Knowsley council. But, from early on next year, the sessions will see opponents of the scheme present their case.

This will be led by the combined authorities and then Liverpool City Council, before moving onto Grosvenor and a series of independent campaign groups representing residents and football fans, and even The Ramblers Association.