LANCASTER is in danger of becoming a "neo-Georgian, neo-Victorian" stage set, claims the chairman of the city's Civic Society.

John Cousins is calling on the City Council to review its design guidelines to encourage modern 21st century architecture in the city instead of "unimaginative" and "safe" buildings.

Calling on members of the Civic Society to make their views known, Mr Cousins said: "We cannot allow Lancaster to get a regional and national reputation as an architectural theme park. By all means preserve our magnificent heritage of 18th and 19th century buildings and the street scapes in our conservation areas but then enhance them by encouraging and commissioning the best modern design and architecture from the 21st century.

"I am now unconvinced that we are getting the balance right here in Lancaster in spite of the City Council's good intentions in the past. I think the new challenge for Lancaster in the 21st century is to be able to pay respect to the best of "local vernacular architecture" but be free and brave enough to be able to interpret it in an entirely modern way by encouraging good design, using modern materials and techniques."

Mr Cousins added: "The Georgians and the Victorians were radical in their time, they had no hesitation in adopting what they regarded as good modern design. We should also have the courage to move on and be more radical."