WYRE Council has hit back at claims that confidential discussions with Fleetwood Pier site developers suggest it has something to hide.
Weekly News readers raised questions about the nature of the "secret" talks between the council and businessman Mike Simmons, who heads a consortium leasing the site and plans to build a hotel there.
One reader said the "secrecy does not look go
od" and inquired why such discussions could not be out in the open.
Unhappy
The issue is a sensitive one in Fleetwood.
Some residents are opposed to any development on the seafront site and are also unhappy that leases involving a public entertainment complex are now being used for private development.
But Wyre has moved to dispel any questions about its on-going discussions on the site of the pier.
Simmo Developments bought the pier building itself, which burnt down a year ago, but is only leasing the land.
In a statement Gary Payne, director of planning and regeneration, said: "We wish to clarify this issue.
"The confidential discussions that have taken place with Simmo Developments have been no different to the pre-application discussions we would hold with any planning applicant.
"Such discussions are encouraged by the Government and give the developer the chance to talk frankly about their plans and to learn from an experienced planning officer about the wider planning policies and issues that might affect their application.
"It is only kept confidential because the information that is revealed is usually of a commercially sensitive nature which a rival developer could, for example, unfairly use to their advantage.
"Having pre-application discussions does not influence or pre-judge the application. They simply allow the developer to seek advice and make amendments to their plans to avoid costly planning delays.
"As in all major developments, the developer is also asked to ensure the public are fully consulted before the application is formally submitted."
