Blackburn with Darwen's controversial growth programme was hailed as a key step in making the borough 'fit for the 21st Century' as senior councillors approved it on Thursday night.

The remark was made by the authority's deputy leader Councillor Quesir Mahmood as its executive board authorised the latest stage of the council's blueprint for new housing and commercial developments in the borough.

He highlighted the fact 25 per cent of the proposed new housing across the two towns was affordable and that more than 50 per cent would be built on brownfield sites as opposed to green spaces.

However, the authority's Conservative leader Cllr John Slater voted against the approval and asked for his vote to be publicly recorded in the minutes.

His group questions the need for all the planned new homes in the borough and is worried about the provision of necessary road improvements and new school places and health facilities to service them.

The council's executive member for health, Cllr Damian Talbot, welcomed the inclusion of phase two of the Griffin housing development in his Mill Hill and Moorgate ward, saying the first stage of the housing scheme has been widely welcomed and 'greatly appreciated' by residents.

A report to the meeting by Cllr Quesir Mahmood said: "Achieving a more prosperous borough is absolutely key to building a stronger local economy with opportunities for people to live the best lives they can."

Highlights in the Growth Programme 2023/34 include:

  • The Blackburn Town Centre Masterplan;
  • The Darwen Town Deal including upgrades to the market hall and Darwen Library Theatre;
  • New business units at Carl Fogarty Way and Issa Way in Blackburn;
  • A new factory for Pets Choice at Whitebirk, Blackburn;
  • New commercial sites at Chapels Park South, Darwen;
  • The redevelopment of Imperial Mill in Blackburn; and
  • The North-East Blackburn Strategic Housing Site.