Centros' Lancaster proposals rejected
Published: 12 January, 2010
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has refused planning permission for Centros’ Canal Corridor North development in Lancaster.
Two grounds for refusal were cited: the Secretary of State expressed concern about the removal of some of the buildings on the site, and about the amount of retail floor space in the early years of the scheme. But Lancaster Council pointed out that much of the strategic rationale for the scheme; its approach to traffic and highways matters, and its overall sustainability were accepted.
Councillor Keith Budden, chairman of Lancaster City Council’s planning committee, said: “While it is disappointing that planning permission for the scheme has been refused, the report and the Secretary of State’s decision give the council a clear position on the type of development which will be acceptable on the site in the future.
“All the parties who presented evidence to the inquiry accept that the Canal Corridor site is run down and in urgent need of regeneration. If we don’t then we run the risk of falling behind other towns and cities in the North West.”
Centros pledged itself to continue working with Lancaster City Council to devise a strategy that will successfully regenerate the site.
