New delay to stadium plans

14
Mar
2009
at 07:05
Everton's new stadium could be delayed for a year even if it does get the green light . The results of a nine week public inquiry are now not expected to be known until late this year.

And this means Everton will stay at Goodison for another season even if the plans get approval .

Hazel Blears will now rule on destination kirkby on or before November 27, the new date has surprised many as inspector Wendy Burden thought this would be submitted by mid june .

A Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “This is a complex proposal in which strong views have been expressed and Ministers need to give it careful consideration.

“We recognise that there is a lot of interest in this case and we will look to issue the decision as quickly as possible.”

Parliment have indicated that the result will not be done by the recess of Parliment at the end of July and they don't return until October.

All parties involved have always stressed that a quick move is all important , Patrick Clarkson told the inquiry "“It is extremely urgent - if the club is to meet the 2011/12 season, a start on building is necessary this spring.“A delay will lose a year with all the accompanying issues as to delivery and cost of delay.”

Despite another delay in the process it does not mean the demise of Destination Kirkby, NSNO's favorite Evertonian club spokesman Ian Ross said “In an ideal world we would have welcomed an earlier decision but we understand that processes like these take a lot of time and effort.

“The wheels of Government don’t move as quickly as we would like. All through this we’ve let it be known there’s a sense of urgency and that it is time sensitive.

“We are impatient but equally happy that they’ve taken on board the urgent nature of the application.

“We remain totally focused and optimistic that it will go ahead.”

Tesco Spokesman Michael Kissman said the application was crucial not just for the future of the club but for the regeneration of Kirkby.

He said: “We hope that they are all working to their full capacity to get the final decision.

“Not knowing the decision is creating a great deal of uncertainty as an investor in Merseyside and for the residents.

“The sooner we can get a conclusion, preferably a positive one for us, the better.”

Knowsley council have also said they are committed to making this project go forward and are extremely keen to press for a resolution.“The council remains fully committed to this project which will transform Kirkby for the benefit of generations to come and bring vital investment into the local economy.