26 Nov 2009Everton stadium move blocked by government

Football Clubs News | Football Technology and Stadia

The government has rejected Everton's plans to leave Goodison Park for a new stadium in Kirkby.

Communities secretary John Denham confirmed that the development, which includes a 50,000-seater stadium and a Tesco superstore, would not be given the go-ahead due to concerns over its impact on the surrounding area.

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone said that everyone at the club had been left "bitterly disappointed" by the verdict.

"I must stress that we do remain totally committed to finding a new home for our football club. The hunt for that new home will now intensify," he told the Everton website.

The development initially received planning permission from Knowsley Council but was then called in for a public inquiry by the government in August last year.

Although controversial among fans of the Merseyside club, the move to Kirkby had been backed by just under 60 per cent of Everton supporters in a recent football survey.

According to BBC Sport, the government's decision could damage Liverpool's bid to be a host city as part of England's campaign to stage the World Cup in 2018.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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