"Big box retailing" Ruled out for site on canal corridor

THE campaign to block 'big box retailing' on Lancaster's canal corridor has been boosted after councillors promised to reject unsuitable bids for its land, reports Steve Dunthorne.

Cllrs Tricia Heath and Geoff Wilson told a well-attended meeting of the Real Planning for Lancaster group it wants developers to stick to a 'design brief' for the site.

That calls for the creation of a 'cultural quarter' and rules out the mix of a supermarket, new road and retailing in plans suggested by developers, Chelverton.

Cllr Heath, the leader of the council, told the meeting at the Gregson Centre: "The decision has already been made by the present cabinet that we are not going to sell that land for box retailing.

"We have never said we are in favour of the Chelverton plan - we don't really know much about it."

She also said that there were no plans at present to sell off the building used by the musician's co-op, and said the cabinet would consider any request for a longer lease, which would allow the group to bid for more outside funding.

Cllr Wilson, the council's deputy leader, said the council had no need to sell the land, adding: "I am pleased to say the council's finances aren't in quite as bad a state as they were - we have      £200/300,000 above the recommended level of reserves."

Prof John Whitelegg, of the Bulk Ward Green party, described the potential development as 'probably one of the most significant things to happen to Bulk ward in years.'

"The brief that the city council have produced for this particular development is actually quite a good one," he added.

The group is still considering the possibility of applying for outline planning permission or dealing with other developers who have been involved in successful schemes else-where.

The group's next meeting takes place at 8pm next Thursday at the Gregson, Moor Lane.

Chelverton announced its plans to a meeting of Lancaster's Chamber of Trade in June, but has so far refused to meet with campaigners. No planning application has been made.