Wrong for big development

COUNCILLOR Barker deserves full support from the people of Lancaster when he warns the council against the latest plans for developing Kingsway. This is the wrong place for massive large-scale retail development. Over the years the people of Lancaster have always opposed all schemes for an eastern relief road. It is possible that the MBI (the largest group on the council) has no great interest in what happens at Kingsway. However, we should remember that our Lancaster councillors include Greens and Liberal Democrats who have joined the MBI in a coalition cabinet. What are the views of Green and Liberal Democrat councillors in respect of the proposals for Kingsway? will they support the efforts of the Labour group to save Lancaster from a potentially disastrous development?         C D Walman Palatine Ave Lancaster

Airey dismayed with Labour

THE Labour group on the city council has been urged to 'bury politics" and stop discouraging potential investment into the Mitchell's Brewery site in Lancaster. Cabinet member for regeneration, Coun James Airey, said that he was "dismayed" at the comments of Labour councillor lan Barker that the council should reject C R Chelverton's proposals for the site between Moor Lane, Alfred Street and St Leonardgate and instead stick to the Local Plan. Coun Airey said: "We have no concrete proposals going to the planning committee from Chelverton and it is just too early to discourage inward investment such as this. These sites are desperate for work to begin on them. "We need to work with Chelverton to find a solution which is acceptable to them and the district. C R Chelverton are, in part, proposing 'big box' retail units and a new relief road. The Conservative group leader said that earlier council plans for a 'cultural quarter' were just one solution. "Whilst a cultural quarter would go well there we have got to look at all options,' he said. "It is better to have something on the site rather than nothing for years and years. "My personal view is that we shouldn't always be blinkered by Local Plans. They move on and situations change so we have got to be a bit more flexible. What we want is money and jobs coming into the town." 

Kingsway ideas have to fit in

I FULLY agree with my colleague lan Barker's concern and apposite comments expressed to the 'Guardian' on Chelverton's proposals for the redevelopment of the Kingsway and Mitchell's Brewery city centre sites. Whilst we have already welcomed a comprehensive approach to avoid piecemeal development, there must be no departure from the agreed Local Plan. For example, any improved road access from Back Caton Road through lower St Leonardgate must be sensitive to the needs of the local community and be part of a long term vision for the area. An access road is needed to access car parks only in the redevelopment. We know that there are interests who still hanker after an eastern inner relief road linking Bulk Road with South Road. The city council and Local Plan have already rejected this. it would sever long established pedestrian routes into town from heavily populated areas and, if built, require controlled crossings at St Leonardgate, Moor Lane, East Road, and Quarry Road before crossing the canal onto a busy South Road. What improved traffic flow could it really achieve apart from its conflict with the new Crosby Homes residential development already started? Labour councillors have long seen the bigger picture for this part of Bulk ward which has waited so long for an agreed public/private sector solution. I remember how the Bath Mill estate on the eastern side of the canal, Mill Hall student accommodation, the Reebok Mill, the Adult College and White Cross Mills got national civic awards for 'brown-field' redevelopment and conservation and how proud the city council was. The canal is now central to, and a crucial asset for, redevelopment, of the area between it and the brewery area. Nothing in Chelverton's proposals should jeopardise the city's agreed 'Canal Corridor' proposals between the canal and a rough line linking Edward Street and Bulk Street. This area is ripe for improvement with residential, open space, small business and cultural centre facilities - modern design in keeping with Lancaster's traditional townscape and heritage. What would be acceptable is adjacent unattractive and unnecessary warehouse type of retail units. Chelverton's ideas must both dovetail and be congruous with long  established aspirations. Compliance in partnership with the city is the way forward. Abbott Bryning     Bulk ward Labour councillor