Conservation Area Conservation Consultation delayed

Lancaster City Council has decided to delay the start of its planned boundary review consultation for local conservation areas following legal proceedings brought by SAVE Britain's Heritage against Lancaster City Council, the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government and Mitchells of Lancaster (see news stories here and here).

Following the temporary injunction obtained by SAVE on 3 December 2010 to prevent the demolition of the Mitchell's Brewery buildings, an application for Judicial Review was made to the High Court by SAVE on 7 December 2009. As a result of such action, the Council says injunctive relief has been extended until such a time as the Judicial Review has been determined.

The City Council is now seeking legal advice on whether it is appropriate to start the public consultation exercise whilst Judicial Review proceedings are ongoing.

A further notice will be posted on the Council’s website once the consultation period has commenced.

The consultation period will not be reduced as a result, but will be extended accordingly and the Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused.