Lancaster City Council and developers Centros are rethinking their proposals for the retail-led redevelopment of the Canal Corridor North area of the city following community secretary John Denham’s rejection of the scheme, acting on the recommendation of a planning inspector.
The project, which included plans for the demolition and alteration of existing buildings – some of which are listed – was the subject of a call-in inquiry. The developer chose not to appear at the hearing.
The minister’s decision letter made it clear that the proposals failed to “demonstrate appropriate respect for the character and distinctiveness of the historic landscape on and around the site” and criticised the quality of the design of the new buildings.
Councillor Keith Budden, chairman of the council’s planning committee, said the planning authority would work with the developer and all other interested parties to bring forward a revised scheme to “regenerate this run down and dilapidated site”.
