A public inquiry into the £100 million proposals for Lancaster (above) began on Tuesday (June 16 2009)
The public inquiry into an "entirely alien" building scheme in Lancaster which has become the first planning application called in by the Secretary of State at the request of English Heritage for eight years has begun.
Centros Lancaster LLP, who have declined to represent themselves at the three-week inquest, have submitted the £100 million Canal Corridor North blueprint, including plans to bulldoze 18 sites within conservation areas as part of a demolition of more than 30 buildings in the historic North-West city.
"This scheme lets Lancaster down," argued Henry Owen-John, North-West Planning and Development Director for English Heritage. "We share the concern of many residents in Lancaster about these proposals, as they would cause lasting harm to Lancaster and damage much of what makes the city such a distinctive and special place. Lancaster deserves a sensitive retail scheme that integrates the historic significance of the area in the new development."
The inquiry is the first time since 2001 that English Heritage has asked the Secretary of State to formally call in an application in the North-West
Owen-John's team are hoping to persuade council officials that the scheme fails to meet government legislation and policy, and that their opponents have failed to take the heritage of the former Roman Garrison fort into consideration.
"We are disappointed that, despite lengthy negotiations with the applicant in an attempt to find a solution that respects Lancaster's heritage, they have been unwilling to deliver a scheme which responded to the historic character of the city," he explained.
The advisory body said their demand demonstrated their "very serious level of concern"
Criticism of the city centre has been widespread in recent weeks, and a major consultation launched by the City Council last week, Square Routes, proposed sweeping changes to areas including Market Square, Horseshoe Corner and numerous local streets.
"Lancaster City Centre has a long-enviable history and is a major source of employment and tourism," said Andrew Dobson, Head of Planning Services.
Lancaster originated from the construction of a Roman Garrison fort in 80AD
"Unfortunately, over the years, the centre has deteriorated and we are now faced with a situation where the condition of the streets is poor and cluttered, which does not do enough to showcase its assets.
"Lancaster Square Routes aims to rejuvenate one of the North-West's most important historical city centres and strengthen its position as a major destination both for visitors and residents of the district."
The city is full of historic buildings and vernacular architecture
In a scathing attack on the plans, Green Party Councillor John Whitelegg told Virtual Lancaster the designs were "dangerous" and "could easily wipe out the city centre as a destination", adding that the public area was "a disgrace".
"The city council enthusiastically supports the Centros development and does very little if anything to upgrade the existing public realm," he said.
"If the dreadful plan gets the go ahead we will see much more of this [privatisation of public roads] and security guards cleansing the area of pesky people like buskers, Big Issue sellers, animal rights stalls and all the other things which contribute to a rich democratic life."
Inquiry runs until July 7 2009, 9.30am-5pm Tuesday- Friday at the Banqueting Suite, Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster.
