Knowsley sets date for Tesco Kirkby decision

Knowsley Council's planning committee will meet on Friday 18 March to decide on proposals by Tesco development subsidiary Spenhill to regenerate Kirkby town centre.

Tesco revised its plans after an original application was dismissed following public inquiry in 2009. The scheme was reduced and a proposed stadium for Everton FC removed. Spenhill's scheme proposes a Tesco Extra superstore, which was reduced by 12% to 146,600 sq ft. The scale of the other retail units, around 90 in total, have been pegged back from 500,700 sq ft to 300,400 sq ft, a fall of 40% in total.

The latest application was submitted for consideration in August 2010. Since then, Spenhill has made minor alterations and undertaken three separate consultation exercises, including a four-day event, to provide the community with the opportunity to comment on the plans and submit any objections they may have.

Planning officers at the local authority have recommended the application be approved by the committee.

Knowsley Council said all the written comments from residents and local businesses have now been considered and used to inform the report prepared for the planning committee to consider.

All those who commented on the plans will receive a letter to inform them of the date for the committee and arrangements should they wish to attend or speak at the committee meeting.