Sir: I refer to the proposed developments at Singing Clough and Longcauseway, Kearsley, which were the subject of a letter from Bill Collison entitled "Who else tendered?" printed in "Your Views" on February 23.

In respect of the Council-owned site at Singing Clough, Bolton MBC entered into a rigorous selection procedure to identify a suitable developer partner. From initial expressions of interest during summer 1997, a short list of two companies was drawn up, both of whom then participated in a two stage selection process, which involved them in preparation of detailed submissions and presentations to the Council's Development Partner Sub Committee. The Council also took up references from other local authorities and private companies who had been involved in partnership agreements with the two developers in question.

As a result of this process, the Council resolved to enter into detailed negotiations with Morbaine, who were considered to be the most appropriate developer partner of the two who were short-listed.

The other site referred to by Mr Collison at Longcauseway (known as "Old Hall Street/Bolton Road, Kearsley") is largely in private ownership and its development is not being promoted by Bolton Council. Morbaine have identified the site as one which they wish to develop for retailing uses and have submitted a planning application for determination by Bolton Council as the local planning authority. In cases where developers are seeking to develop privately owned sites, the planning process does not, of course, require the submission of applications from several prospective developers. The Longcauseway proposal was down to be considered in the same way as any other planning application by the Council's Planning Control Sub Committee meeting on March 5.

?Councillor R Howarth,

Leader of Bolton Council.

?

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