Public inquiry update
Lancaster City Council will not be taking any further part in the public inquiry into plans by Centros to redevelop the Canal Corridor North site.
Lancaster City Council will not be taking any further part in the public inquiry into plans by Centros to redevelop the Canal Corridor North site.
At the time the applications were considered by the council’s Planning Committee they were considered on the information that was then available.
However, while the city council is firmly committed to the redevelopment of the site, the rigorous testing of evidence at the public inquiry has identified a number of issues which need to be addressed.
In light of the decision by Centros not to appear before the inquiry these questions remain unanswered.
In addition, English Heritage has substantially revised its position and now opposes many elements of the scheme which it previously accepted.
Coun Stuart Langhorn, Leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Lancaster City Council remains firmly committed to the redevelopment of the Canal Corridor North site.
“The site itself is rundown and decaying with many derelict buildings. Without its regeneration we run the risk of falling behind other towns and cities in the north west.
“However, the public inquiry has raised a number of questions which need to be answered.
“It has always been the city council’s position that it would present evidence to the inquiry in relation to its own decision to grant the development planning permission – not to defend the applicant.
“As many of the questions which have arisen are only ones which the applicant could answer we have decided to withdraw from any further participation.”
The inquiry will continue and will next hear evidence from English Heritage.
The inquiry is due to recommence on Tuesday 30 June.
Date Updated: 26/06/09