Council opposes Everton stadium

The new stadium would seat 50,000 supporters

Liverpool City Council is formally objecting to the proposed Everton and Tesco development over "concerns" about the retail plans.

The £400m scheme includes a new 50,000 seat stadium and Tesco superstore on a 85,500 sq m site in Kirkby.

Liverpool council has said this does not comply with planning policy, as it is too big for the town and could take business out of the city centre.

Knowsley council said it was "saddened and disappointed" by the move.

Although previously supportive of the Kirkby regeneration, councillors in Liverpool have been recommended to formally object based on observations by planning consultants.

'Not appropriate'

A report said that Tesco had "not adequately demonstrated a need" for the huge size of the proposed store.

It also said the scale of the project was "not appropriate to the role and function" of Kirkby town centre, and underestimated the amount of trade that would be drawn away from Liverpool.

A previous unofficial objection was lodged earlier this year, but fears were allayed when Knowsley Borough Council informed them of "significant changes" to the scheme.

Kirkby Residents Action Group are also campaigning against the development. The group have said it is too big for the town and would cause traffic chaos on match days.

Knowsley council has said it will benefit the people in Kirkby by regenerating the town centre and improving their quality of life.