DEMANDS for more openness about the multi-million Broadway-Friarsgate development in Winchester have been called for.

Labour and Tory councillors are unhappy that discussions with the developers Thornfield over the £100m regeneration are still being conducted in private.

Cllr Patrick Davies, leader of the Labour group, said the public had a right to know what was going on.

He urged the ruling Liberal Democrats to release the paperwork from their discussions.

Council leader Sheila Campbell said many of the documents were still commercially sensitive and could not be released.

She added that Thornfield would present its ideas to residents and seek their views later this year.

Tory councillor Anne Saunders also attacked the secrecy of the Thornfield talks.

She raised concerns about the council's choice of developer, stating that their work at Smithfield Market in London had created controversy and been criticised by the Prince of Wales.

Mrs Campbell dismissed her concerns, and said she was happy to work with Thornfield.

The council wants to see around 360 new homes built, along with 40 shops and a replacement bus station on the Friarsgate site.

Rival developer, London and Henley, which already owns some of the site, has announced it will put forward a planning application later this year.