The Blues had hoped to learn by Thursday whether the plan would be referred to the Secretary of State for a public inquiry - a delay which might deliver a potentially fatal blow to the scheme.

But the Government Office for the North West (GONW) have now requested an extension to consider whether to make that move or not.

"We have applied for more time to consider the application because of its size," said a spokesman for GONW.

"That information has been sent to Knowsley council and to the developers.

"The statutory provision prevents the local authority going ahead and acting on planning permission. Inside 21 days, it is difficult to consider all the possible ramifications of an application of this scale."