A DEAL which promises to seal the future of Morecambe’s regeneration has been called into question.

Morecambe Bay Independent Cllr Evelyn Archer has asked for a review of a Lancaster City council cabinet decision to work exclusively with Urban Splash on plans to rejuvenate the Midland Hotel and central resort area.

The Poulton ward councillor is demanding more information on the developers’ plans amid claims there are too many unanswered questions about ‘one of the most important issues’ facing the town.

As reported last week, Cabinet – consisting of Labour, Greens and Liberal Democrats - agreed to a two-year deal with Urban Splash under which it is likely to become the lead developer.

Urban Splash, the new owners of the 1933 grade II landmark, hopes to lodge a planning application in October after public consultation.

The MBIs have a right to query Cabinet decisions, but there are concerns this latest call-in could rock relations with a key player in the resort’s future.

“It is absolutely stupid,” says council leader Cllr Ian Barker. “Urban Splash are the best hope we have of a quality redevel-opment of Morecambe. Anything that stands in the way can only damage Morecambe.

“This is an example of the MBIs shooting Morecambe in the foot.” Cllr Abbot Bryning, Cabinet member for regeneration, says: “We are at a delicate stage of negotiations. It is ill advised at this moment to call it in. We need to wait for a planning application before we can consider it.” But Cllr Evelyn Archer has defended her actions.

She told the Citizen: “This is probably the most important decision for Morecambe. Why should it be made by Lancaster councillors without Morecambe councillors having any input?” Stressing the call-in is not an attack on the Cabinet, which excludes the MBIs, she says: “Morecambe is first and foremost in my heart. I can’t let this go without asking questions. If something goes wrong with that site, who will get the blame for it- we will? I am standing by my guns on this one.” She will not reveal what questions she wants to put to the Regeneration Review Board’s meeting on August 28.

But she says: “Urban Splash has been calling all the shots. If we are going into partnership with them we need some questions answered.”