Everton FC Kirkby stadium plans rejected

David Quainton, 26 November 2009

Everton Football Club has had its plans for a modern new stadium, complete with event spaces, rejected.

The decision followed an in-depth public inquiry, which was heard in Kirkby, the planned site of the new stadium, between November 2008 and February 2009.

"Obviously, we are all bitterly disappointed with the decision as we felt that... we had compiled and presented a most compelling case for the Destination Kirby project," said Everton CEO Robert Elstone.

"We said all along that we not only believed the project to be deliverable but that it would have proved to be hugely beneficial for both Everton Football Club and the people of Knowsley."

The planned 50,000-seat stadium in Kirkby would have been part of a complex that boasted a Tesco superstore, as well as other shops.

But the decision was made that the move would breach a policy that discourages major supermarket chains from taking business away from town and city centres.

The rejection comes weeks after Tottenham Hotspur unveiled plans for its new stadium in London.

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