Recently by David Bartlett

Opposing sides clashed over the effect of the Kirkby development. Richard Down reports

THE collapse of Everton FC's plans for its former training ground has made the retail element of its Destination Kirkby project vital, an inquiry into the move has heard.

Yesterday, the Daily Post revealed how Everton's appeal against Liverpool planners' rejection of a major housing development at Bellefield, in West Derby, had been turned down.

It had been hoped the deal would have provided £8m-£10m towards the Kirkby project, although the club insists it will find the money elsewhere.

EVERTON FC today hit out at city council leaders after losing an inquiry into the building of homes on its former training ground.

The decision will result in the loss of up to £10m from the sale which was due to part-fund the club's proposed move to Kirkby.

Although the loss will not impact on the proposed move - the club will now find the cash elsewhere - the board of directors and chairman Bill Kenwright are furious at the decision.

The inquiry upheld Liverpool council's decision to block the club's plans to build 74 large family homes on the Bellefield site in West Derby.

EVERTON FC has lost an inquiry to build homes on its former training ground, resulting in the loss of up £10m for the club.

The club's board of directors and chairman Bill Kenwright are understood to be furious about the decision.

The income from the sale of the land was due to part fund the club's £78m contribution towards its proposed move to a new home in Kirkby, which is currently the subject of a separate public inquiry.

The Daily Post understands the loss of between £8m and £10m will not impact on the proposed move, as the club will now find the cash from other sources.

A PLANNING inspector has given four economic experts three weeks to assess how the recession will hit Everton FC and Tesco's plans for Kirkby.

Closing the first half of the public planning inquiry into Destination Kirkby, inspector Wendy Burden asked for a set of simplified tables showing how the downturn might affect "expenditure growth" in the proposed development.

The information will be provided by Tesco and Everton, Knowsley and their opponents, Liverpool council and the combined authorities.