"Why is Eden Project Morecambe plan now a quarter of original size?"

The suggestion of downsizing along with questions about ‘private’ meetings related to the project, scrutiny and funding of the plan came at the latest full meeting of Lancaster City Council.

Conservative councillors quizzed Green Coun Caroline Jackson, the council leader, about Eden following her regular written update.

She said Eden’s smaller size was the result of rising costs caused by past Conservative governments and she rejected any suggestion of undue secrecy at the council.

The govermment has earmarked £50m towards the project’s costs while Eden bosses have to find another £50m privately.

Around £7.5 million has been released so far by the government for current work, with ground testing having already begun at the Morecambe seafront site/

Various organisations are involved including the city council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University.

In her written report, Coun Jackson stated: “Progress of the Eden Project was significantly furthered by the revised planning application being put in, as a result of the changes to the original plans. Eden Morecambe is continuing with the recruitment of staff for the Morecambe office and more work to develop the gardens that will be open to the public on the site.

“Also a fund-raising dinner was held in London to garner support from Lancastrians there, and Coun Martin Bottoms attended to represent the council and community.”

In questions, Conservative Coun Andrew Gardiner asked: “Why is the Eden plan now a quarter of the original plan? And what are the financial implications?”

Coun Jackson replied: “The Daily Mail thinks its about 50 to 60 per cent of the original pan. Costs have risen something like 40 per cent. It has to remain a project that the government thinks will bring opportunities and extra jobs to Morecambe, and it has to remain in that budget ‘envelope’ of £100m. I’m sure Eden would like to raise that envelope but the government still thinks the opportunity exists to make a real contribution to Morecambe.

“Everyone has had to re-think what this offers. The Eden plan still seems exciting, innovative and likely to have that wow-factor. That’s what we want. We want people to come to Morecambe and enjoy all the things it offers. We want to see new hotels and opportunities for existing hotels. Also we want the benefits to spill into Lancaster, with its heritage and attractions.”

Looking across to Conservative councillors and suggesting former Tory prime minister Liz Truss had sparked rising costs, Coun Jackson added: “Yes, the Eden design is smaller than the original. But it had to respond to financial changes – not last year but, I think, linked to economic policies over there. [Conservatives].”

Coun Gardiner also asked: “It’s claimed by the government that the council has asked for £16m. When does the council expect to have this? And has Eden put in a penny that has not been from government sources?”

Caroline Jackson replied: “I don’t think this is a question for here but I can ask the monitoring officer. ”

Coun Gardiner asked the question again and Coun Jackson added: “We have not asked the government for £16million.”

The council’s chief executive, Mark Davies, said: “The position is as it has always been. The council has been offered £50m towards the project. Excellent progress has been made and we are in a good position. It would be more appropriate to ask Eden about it from a technical point of view.”

In other questions, Conservative Coun Keith Budden said: “My understand is that there was a meeting with Eden that was not in the public domain. Can you conform this? A meeting with Eden executives and leaders but not in the public domain?

Coun Jackson replied: “There are regular meetings which are not in the public domain. Operational meetings about work-streams. There is nothing special about that, as the project moves forward. There are many meetings. Some are public and many more are private.”

Then Coun Budden asked: “Is the scrutiny chairperson being part of this process? Considering what decisions are to be called-in or decisions like that?”

Coun Jackson said: “The Eden Project is not our [council] project. It’s their project. The only decisions we can call in are decisions we are making. I’m not sure what you’re suggesting? If it’s a cabinet decision then it’s subject to being called-in but not if it’s a decision for the full council. Everything that comes to the cabinet is usually subject to call-in, with some exemptions.”