Government 'call in' threatens stadium plans

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The decision is a major blow to the club's plans to move to a stadium that is big enough to allow them to compete with the top sides in the Premier League.

The Government have now decided that they want to look at the whole scheme, bitterly opposed by Kirkby residents and many of the club's fans.

Everton have been involved in an on-going Everton row with a section of their support who are opposed to the move from Goodison Park to a new home outside the city boundaries in neighbouring Knowsley.

And this decision by the Government will be a major boost to those supporters who are furiously opposed to leaving the city.

Everton already have planning permission for the £400million scheme, a joint venture with Tesco.

But they have also faced fierce opposition from Kirkby residents, with the scheme likely to change the face of the town's centre.

Everton had been hoping their plans would get the go-ahead, but the decision is a serious blow to their wishes.

Former chief executive Keith Wyness, who quit last week, had gone on record as saying that any 'call in' would kill-off the whole plan to move from Goodison Park.

The club have consistently distanced themselves from that view, but this is still a real body blow during a summer that has seen them hit by continued discontent.