Music to city ears

Co-op wins vote over 'big box' stores by STEVE DUNTHORNE

LANCASTER'S Musician's Co-op looks set for a bright future after winning the backing of councillors. They have also voted to confirm they will not sell land on the so-called 'canal corridor' for a supermarket, new road and 'big box' retail development. 

A proposal from, Green councillors Jon Barry  and Gina Dowding was accepted at a full council meeting     yesterday (Wednesday).

The council's policy is now to negotiate a lease long enough to allow the co-op to bid for funding for  its ambitious development plans, including a 300-seat live music venue.

Cllr Barry told the meeting that by allowing the co-op a long lease now it would be able to tap in to many sources of funding and improve its headquarters on Lodge Street.

"We should allow the musician's co-op to get on with improving the building and improving this district," he said.

"What I would like to see is some development  incorporating small businesses, green space,' maybe some affordable housing and cultural facilities. That would seem an excellent use for this site."

Labour put forward a proposal opposing the building of a road or any scheme which could damage the city centre.

Plans put forward by Bristol based developers Chelverton to Lancaster Chamber of Commerce earlier this year envisaged a supermarket, large stores and a new link road cutting across the site.

No  planning application will be put forward until next year. Cllr lan Barker, who represents Bulk Ward, which includes the canal corridor, said: "You only have to look at the adopted local plan to realise that they want to drive a coach and horses through it, and a magic highway as well."

Opposition to the Green Party's proposal came from Conservative Cllr James Airey. He said: "I feel it would be wrong of us as a council to tie the hands of developers at this stage.

"we should be welcoming them in to a partnership with the community rather than bolting the door before they have put forward concrete plans'"

The decision will now form   part   of the council's policy frame-work, though details of the lease will have to be agreed by die council's cabinet.