Thanks But No Thanks!

Local group It's Our City have rejected plans for developing the Lancaster Canal Corridor. The move has been prompted by major concerns that Centros Miller have failed to address.

It's Our City are unhappy that despite raising questions about the serious issues surrounding the development Centros Miller have still not provided any answers. The most serious issue that It's Our City have concerns about is the fact that at this late stage in the process Centros Miller still have not provided any evidence that the development won't cause further traffic chaos in the city.

Unfortunately It's Our City is left with no choice other than to reject Centros Miller's plans, as they have consistently failed to provide any supporting information whatsoever.

In less than a month Lancaster City Council will make a decision on whether to press ahead with this Big Box development, yet exceptionally Centros Miller have still not provided any data whatsoever on the extra traffic on the city's roads.

In addition, the developers have given no evidence whatsoever that this Big Box development will not result in ghost towns in the current Lancaster and Morecambe city centres. There are well-grounded fears that the development will kill off the city centre, resulting in even more empty shops in the heart of the city.

A further reason why It's Our City is rejecting Centros Miller's plans is that they do not reflect what local people have said they wish to see on this site. The most recent plans, presented at the end of May 2006 by Centros Miller, show little more than Big Box retail and a giant car park. Contrary to promises made to residents Centros Miller plans show that approximately 80% of the site will be given over to retail and vehicle use.

For these very same reasons, plans for development of this site by Chelverton-Carillion three years ago were comprehensively rejected by both the City Council and local residents.

Cal Giles of It's Our City explains: 'They said 'trust us, it'll be fine' but for months they've fobbed off local residents, ignoring their concerns and have now come up with a plan that's completely insensitive to the district's needs'

Local resident Emilie Secker: 'We already have gridlock in Lancaster. We can only hope that councillors will ensure that they have the necessary information before deciding whether to sign the contract with Centros Miller in July.'

It's Our City is supporting genuine community-led development of this site; something that sadly is not currently on the table. Look out for It's Our City's alternative plans in the coming weeks.