Everton are a step closer to leaving Goodison Park after Knowsley Borough Council backed plans for their new 50,000-capacity ground at Kirkby.

The proposal, made jointly by Everton and Tesco, was passed 20 to one in a vote at a special meeting of the KBC planning committee.

It will now go before government planners and a decision will be made in the next three weeks over whether or not the scheme should be 'called-in' for an inquiry.

"We are absolutely delighted with the outcome, and I think the fact the vote was in no way close - 20 to 1 - shows that the Knowsley Borough councillors are ready to embrace the regeneration of the Kirkby area," Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told the club's website, evertonfc.com.

"This is another major step forward for us as a football club as we seek to find a new home."

The council's vote 'recommends' that the £400million development is now passed by Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears and the Government Office North West.

The Secretary of State has at least 21 days, or a longer period if needed, to make a decision to refer the application back to the council for a final decision or to hold a public inquiry.

The associated plans for Kirkby town centre - which include new shops, restaurants, a hotel and offices - will create more than 2,300 jobs, including 350 which Tesco have earmarked for long-term unemployed people and Knowsley residents, as well as 700 at the new Tesco store.

Tesco originally submitted their planning application in January. Following feedback from residents, the plans were amended in April and again last month. A total of 63 days were taken up by public consultation.

Michael Kissman, spokesman for Tesco, said that if the plans were given the final green light, building of the stadium could begin in July this year and be completed by the summer of 2010.

Ian Ross, spokesman for Everton, said: "Obviously we are very pleased. That is another hurdle clear. That leaves us with one. We want to avoid a call-in by the Government.

"It was particularly rewarding that planning committee members voted 20 to one in favour. There were 21 members of the committee and 20 voted for the plans and the recommendation and one against.

"Every conceivable aspect affecting match days has been looked at from the environment, parking and the transportation of fans from Merseyside.

"We spent two years looking into this. Quite clearly the vast majority of the planning committee were quite happy with the reports sent to them."

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