A DRAFT report for Wyre Borough Council says Cleveleys does not need the controversial 60-bed motel and leisure development being planned for Jubilee Gardens.

A motel would 'add to the quality and diversity' of the town's tourist accommodation says the report, but the same benefits 'could be met by a small development requiring less land'.

The findings were highlighted by campaigners battling to save Jubilee Gardens in response to comments in last week's Citizen by Wyre's deputy council leader, Cllr Jim Lawrenson.

He said the borough had a 'desperate need' for more tourism beds, as shown in a separate report put together for Wyre's tourism chiefs.

But the Nathaniel Lichfield draft report -- seen by The Citizen -- states that visitors to Cleveleys tend to be short term, that the 'independent sector' including bed & breakfasts and guest houses largely meet that need, and that 'the low room and bed space occupancy rates' suggests existing hotels could meet that need.

It also stated that Wyre Borough Council, in its own local plan set out in 1999, required 'overriding community need be demonstrated' before development was permitted on open space such as Jubilee Gardens. The planned 60-bed motel is part of a 'leisure village' proposed for Jubilee Gardens and adjacent land on North Promenade by developers, Property Alliance Group. The proposals also include a four screen cinema, ten pin bowling alley, fast food outlets and car parking.

Campaigners trying to block the plans say if the land is sold for redevelopment it could swell the council's coffers by several million pounds, but that this would be a deeply unpopular move due to the site's importance as public green space.

This is the latest in a series of ongoing wrangles between campaigners and councillors over the future of Jubilee Gardens.

A dispute erupted recently -- following a private meeting between leading councillors and members of Jubilee Action Group and Waters Reach Residents Association -- over the accuracy and informal nature of notes taken at the meeting.

The Citizen was unable to make contact with Cllr Lawrenson before going to press.

Fast food giant McDonald's has written to Jubilee Gardens campaigners saying it 'has no involvement' with the proposed development. A unit for the company was earmarked on the plans.

A spokesman at Wyre Borough Council's planning department said any significant amendments to the plan could lead to the application going out to public consultation again.