EVERTON FC is likely to submit a planning application to the city council in six months for a new stadium on Walton Hall Park, the council's regeneration supremo Malcolm Kennedy has revealed.
As protesters and nearby residents build up their campaign against the loss of a large proportion of the Victorian park, it is clear discussions have been taking place behind the scenes to progress the controversial scheme to replace Goodison Park.
Cllr Kennedy, a key member of Mayor Anderson's powerful cabinet, admitted in a radio interview that it was very difficult to find a suitable new site in the city for a new Everton home.
"People are arguing about whether there are plans. Of course there are discussions and aspirations from the club to have a new stadium, and aspirations from Liverpool City Council to be able to facilitate that," he said.
Walton Hall Park. Pic by Kevin Sandy
"At the moment there are no actual plans submitted in terms of the planning process. We wouldn't expect something like that for probably about six months.
"We are in the hands of Everton FC and their partners.
"What the Mayor has said is that what we will have in addition to that (a new stadium) if and when it comes about, is further investment in the park.”
Speaking on City Talk, Cllr Kennedy would not be drawn into the intervention by Bianca Jagger, ex-wife of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger. She has publicly stated she is against the new stadium being built at Walton Hall Park.
"I wouldn't have any negatable comment to make about Bianca Jagger. I don't know how well she knows the situation.
Bianca Jagger"It comes down simply for me to what does Liverpool want. We have two football clubs in this city and they both need places to play. It is very difficult to find a site for a football club in the city. If Everton is going to be based in the city we have to find a site somewhere.There is a suggestion of which a lot of discussion is taking place at the present time.
"The city council is trying to facilitate Everton staying in the city basically, if that is what the city wants, Time will tell.
"I'm told there will possibly be a planning application in six months.”
If the planning application is made by the summer it could mean the club learning by the end of the year whether they have been given the green light to develop a new home on Walton Hall Park.
