A final chance for people to have their say about a blueprint for the Canal Quarter in Lancaster has just started, with the launch of a six-week consultation.
Lancaster City Council commissioned consultants Avison Young/Planit IE to develop a vision for the redevelopment of the area around the old Mitchell’s Brewery site and adjacent car parks.
This vision - known as the Canal Quarter Strategic Regeneration Framework - sets out the shape of future development in the area, acceptable uses for the land, and essential ingredients such as building form, approach to historic assets, sustainability and incorporation of green spaces.
Any future detailed development plans put forward, be they from the public or private sector, will be expected to meet the aspirations set out in the Framework as a minimum.
Following a series of structured engagement events with local community and stakeholder groups and open public exhibitions, a series of design principles were developed. These were used as the basis for the consultants to develop the vision, and a draft Regeneration Framework was published.
Detailed comments were invited over three months in early 2020, and this generated 94 detailed responses from the general public, local stakeholder and community groups, and statutory bodies such as Historic England and the Environment Agency.
The council undertook a detailed review of all these submissions and have made some changes to the document as a result.
The council intends for the Canal Quarter Strategic Regeneration Framework to be adopted into its Local Plan policy as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
Once adopted as an SPD, the Framework will have formal legal weight as a benchmark to be used to inform development proposals and for deciding whether to approve planning applications in the area.
Before being formally adopted there is a requirement to give the general public one “last chance” to comment on the final draft.
Councillor Janice Hanson, cabinet member with responsibility for planning policy, said: “The publication of the final draft version of the Canal Quarter Regeneration Framework represents an important milestone.
“It could not have been achieved without the enthusiasm and interest of the local community and stakeholders, and I’d like to thank all those who took the time to get involved in the consultation and engagement events and those who took the time to make detailed comments. This has helped us refine the vision and approach and is a critical foundation for the detailed work to follow from both private and public sector proposals.
“This is just the beginning and to achieve our sustainable vision for the Canal Quarter will require continued energy and pragmatism from landowners, developers, businesses and local residents to create a genuinely desirable and attractive place to live, work and play.”
To get involved in the consultation visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/canal-quarter-srf.
All past consultations, the information generated, how it’s been used, and the changes made leading up to this current version of the final draft document, are captured in a Consultation Statement available at the above link.
The closing date for comments is March 31.
LISTEN: Lancaster Music Festival returns with local and international appeal
LISTEN: Morecambe mum completes one million steps challenge for daughter's legacy of kindness
Blue Badge holder free parking in Lancaster City Council car parks could be scrapped
PHOTOS: Inside new Morecambe second-hand bookstore after couple's dream becomes reality
Popular Lancaster café to close after the owners announce retirement
Police issue warning over cold callers in Heysham area
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts issued as police speak to 26 youths after Lancaster ASB spate
Fundraising for £150,000 revamp of Lancaster playground receives grant boost
Emergency services called to concern for welfare in Lancaster
Community spirit shines as volunteers transform Lancaster community farm
Crews tackle fire at property in Heysham
Lancaster whisky distillery to open new £150k warehouse and bottling hall at former antiques centre
Lancaster man makes final of UK's biggest classic car show
Man arrested for possessing alcohol in breach of police order in Morecambe
Pensioner in her 80s seriously injured following collision near Lancaster
PHOTOS: Symphony orchestra in a pub launches Lancaster Music Festival 2026
"It's beyond a joke" Businesses speak out after youths run amok in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe police officers receive awards for hard work and dedication
LISTEN: Lancaster Music Festival 2026 set to begin
Hospital chaplain set to host remembrance service in Lancaster
