Public inquiry date set for Everton stadium and Kirkby regeneration plans » Communities » 24dash.com

A public inquiry into the plan to build a 50,000-seater stadium for Everton Football Club is to be held in Kirkby, it has been announced.

The project, which could create 2,300 jobs and see £13.6 million spent in the local economy, will be considered at the public inquiry starting on November 18.

Knowsley Council leader Ron Round said: "We believe it is important that the inquiry into this development is held in the heart of the community which is set to benefit from it.

"That is why we have decided that the hearing will be held in Kirkby at the Kirkby Suite, Cherryfield Drive.

"It will give as many people in the town as possible the chance to hear the overwhelming regeneration benefits on offer."

The plan includes a stadium for Everton Football Club plus a leisure centre and a Tesco supermarket.

A 25-strong Knowsley Council planning committee approved the plan in June, however, the Communities and Local Government Minister Hazel Blears and the Government Office North West did not back the project.