EFC/Tesco stadium inquiry resumes

Today marks approximately the half way point of the inquiry into the Everton FC/Tesco £400m project, with Knowsley council's noise expert providing cross examination and giving his views.

A series probing questions are expected to be asked by The Grange Residents Association today, which has been more vocal in its disapproval to the plans.

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone, Tesco's main architects and retail experts and Knowsley chief executive Sheena Ramsey have all previously given evidence at the lengthy inquiry.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced in August last year a public inquiry would be called into the proposed 55,000-seat stadium and 500,000 sq ft of retail, hotels and leisure in Kirkby.

Trevor Skempton, the architect behind Newcastle United's St James' Park revamp, is expected to provide alternative architectural proposals during the inquiry.

Also, retail evidence from St Modwen Properties is still to be heard.