Decision made on controversial Sandhills extension for match days

Liverpool Council's planning committee has approved controversial plans to expand the queuing area at Sandhills station. The project will allow an additional 2,000 Everton fans to queue inside the station grounds after matches at Hill Dickinson Stadium, representing a 150% increase in the queuing zone.

The proposals had previously been paused following strong opposition from councillors, which included controversial remarks from former Lord Mayor Richard Kemp and Cllr Pat Moloney that drew public apologies. Planning officer Simon Crawshaw emphasized that without the expansion, the station would face overcrowding, while Merseyrail chief financial officer Chris Maher noted that the changes could allow Sandhills Lane to reopen up to 15 minutes earlier.