THE decision to sell the illuminations depot site to Hargreaves Homes was neither 'illogical' nor 'perverse', as reported in Citizen (January 8).

There were arguments for putting off a decision and residents who wished the council to do so. Equally there were arguments for going ahead, which I found more compelling, and there were more residents in the consultation who wanted the council to do just that

I do wish the opponents of the decision would stop pretending the argument was one sided or that the consultation came down on their side - it did not.

So why did Cabinet decide in favour of the scheme?

First, the Morecambe Action Plan sees the need to diversify tenure in the West End by increasing owner-occupation to get a more balanced community. It also recognises that public bodies like the city council and English Partnerships cannot bring about the changes themselves. They have to have investment.

Hargreaves Homes have made it clear that they do not intend to sell to private landlords or housing associations but are aiming at the owner occupied market. The Cabinet has decided that any capital receipts resulting from the sale will be ring-fenced for use in the West End. So the decision is entirely in accordance with the Plan on both counts.

Secondly, the 'Master Plan', when developed, will flesh out the bare bones of the action plan for the West End. It is not intended to alter the strategic thrust.

It may, however, still be some months off, and both the council and English Partnerships are keen to make a start in the West End in advance. The Cabinet's judgement was that, consistent with both the Morecambe Action Plan and the local plan, this was likely to be a housing site and that the Master Plan would not change this.

In short, the Cabinet's decision was thought through, consistent with long term plans, and will increase resources available for improving the West End.

Cllr Ian Barker, Leader, Lancaster City Council.