By Julian Whittle Political editor

Published at 19:37, Thursday, 10 April 2008

THE future of the Rickergate area of Carlisle is unlikely to become clear until 2010.

UNHAPPY: The defendant phoned the Istanbul in Dalton Road REF: 0266983

A government inspector this week published a report deeply critical of the city council’s Renaissance plans for a plaza with shops, offices and a hotel.

Patrick Whitehead chaired the public inquiry into the Carlisle Local Plan 2001-16 last summer.

His findings, which are binding on the council, give the green light to redevelopment in principle.

But they express grave doubts about proposals to bulldoze the Civic Centre, police and fire stations, Adriano’s, the magistrates’ court and homes in Warwick Street.

Mr Whitehead’s report says: “I spent some time getting to know Rickergate and learned to appreciate its special qualities that go beyond the buildings, streets and spaces to embrace the community itself. They are qualities that develop through time but may be easily swept away.

“My conclusions suggest the Renaissance proposals would have serious consequences for the residents of Rickergate, their homes and businesses, which merit consideration.”

His report throws out the council’s proposal to make Rickergate a “regeneration zone”, outlining a precise area for redevelopment.

This zone would have covered Corporation Road and Peter Street even though the council says homes there are not at risk of demolition.

The inspector accepted arguments from the Save Our Streets group, which campaigned against the scheme, that such a zone would blight property, reducing values.

And he questioned if the council’s plans were viable.

His report says: “I was offered no hard evidence that serious negotiations with developers or backers had reached an advanced stage.

“It seems to me there remains a significant element of doubt that the council will secure a private-sector led viable scheme during the lifetime of this local plan.”

City council leader Mike Mitchelson is upbeat about the findings.

He said: “It’s excellent news. We now have a clearly-defined area for regeneration. It’s another piece in the jigsaw. The inspector is critical in a way but the process has always been to get the local plan inquiry result then prepare a detailed development brief.”

But Carlisle MP Eric Martlew and Labour and Liberal Democrat city councillors are calling for a rethink.

The council’s Conservative leadership would need the support of the Liberal Democrats, at least, to get its Renaissance plans through.

Labour group leader Michael Boaden said the proposals for Rickergate were “dead”.

And Simon Osman, formerly a leading light in Save Our Streets, who resigned from its executive to stand as an Independent in the May elections, wants for the council to open talks with campaigners.

The inspector has also limited the size of a proposed new supermarket in Morton.

And Mr Whitehead rejected proposals to use an outlying former RAF 14MU site at Harker for housing and to release land at High Crindledyke for up to 870 new homes.

The inspector’s report can be viewed on the council’s web site www.carlisle.gov.uk. Printed copies are available from the Civic Centre for £10 plus postage and a CD version can be prepared for £5 on request.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk