Last updated at 12:31, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

GRAVE doubt has been cast on Carlisle Renaissance plans to redevelop Rickergate by a government inspector.

New look: How the viaduct area could look

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

His report, published today, is critical of the city council-led scheme to bulldoze the Civic Centre, police and fire stations, magistrates court and homes in Warwick Street.

Mr Whitehead gives the go-ahead in principle to redevelopment but his criticisms make it difficult for the council to proceed as planned.

The findings are a boost to the Save Our Streets group, which campaigned against the Renaissance scheme.

The inspector 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.”

Full story: Pages 4&5

First published at 13:22, Wednesday, 09 April 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk