A MAJOR publicity drive is under way to encourage people to air their views as a definitive Local Plan for Lancaster and Morecambe is put together. The chief aims of the blueprint are to build 6,200 new homes to meet the rising population, create more business parks and get people out of their cars and on to public transport. The forecast is set to cater for the growth of the area until 2006 but environmental groups fear the developments will invade the district's main greenbelts.

The 202-page draft plan has been condensed into an easy to read pamphlet. It pinpoints new housing estates on the North and South sides of Lancaster. Several in-town housing estates at Lunesdale Quarry and St George's Quay will also be built.

But Mark Johnston, North Lancashire Friends of the Earth co-ordinator, said the proportion of new homes built in urban renewal areas compared to those in the countryside were well below Government targets.

He said: "We want more people living close to where they shop and work which will increase the vibrancy of the town centre and protect the environment at the same time. But only a quarter of the proposed new houses will be in the town centre."

Chairman of Housing Ian Barker refuted claims that the council was abandoning houses in bad states of repair, such as those in the West End of Morecambe, in favour of cheaper and smaller new homes.

He said: "The council will maintain its urban regeneration programme but elderly people are crying out for bungalows. Most of the old Victorian houses will be converted into self-contained flats."

A primary bus route service has been incorporated into the plans for the new houses aimed at relieving the town's heavy traffic congestion. But there are no plans for new roads in the district. Instead, the council is encouraging people to walk, use cycle paths and public transport.

Cllr Pat Rye said: "We believe the growth of the car, van and heavy goods vehicle traffic over the next ten years cannot be accommodated by major new roads in the urban area."

Councillors also pledged better local rail services, including new stop off points at Hest Bank, Mossgate, Westgate, Broadway and Bailrigg, but plans for the controversial Western bypass were effectively shelved.

Council chiefs said they were committed to providing open spaces, supporting local traders and promoting tourism.

Cllr Stanley Henig, leader of the council, said: "The plan is very ambitious and we aim to review it half-way through, but we need to hear people's views to prevent problems in the future."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.