Consultation FAQ

Q Do you think that Centros consultation has been appropriate/adequate?

A No. Local people have not been involved in defining what kind of use they would like to see on the site, and in developing initial ideas. Instead, Centros Miller have come to Lancaster with a plan and have asked people what they think of it, then largely ignored what they have been told. Key elements were in place before the consultation even began, and their plan remains unchanged.

Cm’s consultation techniques have been flawed. Their shoppers survey was unrepresentative as it targeted a specific group. In addition, the results of the shoppers survey were misinterpreted, with the desire to see more local independent shops being presented as a desire for more shops of any kind. There was no opportunity on the shoppers survey to express a preference against more shops.

The CM Consultation has been far too narrow. So far the two surveys have covered less than 1000 people. Their consolation has not included much of Lancaster let alone the wider area which will be affected by these plans, such as Morecambe, Carnforth and beyond.

We are also critical of the way CM disseminate information. Their website is infrequently updated. Requests for information which CM already has, and has shown in public meetings, have not been responded to for weeks, if not months. Also information presented by Centros Miller is difficult to understand, as anyone who has seen their traffic presentation will testify!