Tesco/Everton win consent for stadium and retail complex

  Tesco and Everton FC have secured the backing of Knowsley council for their Destination Kirkby scheme but they must still overcome the objections of neighbouring Liverpool council.     Knowsley’s planning committee backed the scheme by a majority of twenty to one, but the development is likely to face a public inquiry because of its size and impact on other regional centres, including Liverpool.   The development, on a 133-acre site, includes 540,000 sq ft of retail in around 50 units, a 110,000 sq ft Tesco Extra, and a 55,000-seat stadium.   Knowsley’s decision will be referred to the Government Office for the North West, which is likely to determine whether a public inquiry should take place by the end of the month.   A spokesman for Tesco said they hoped to start work on the scheme in July.     david.quinn@rbi.co.uk