A PUBLIC inquiry has opened into a major plan that looks at development in Blackburn and Darwen over the next six years.

The council's local plan aims to boost the borough as an attractive place to live, conserve and enhance the character and commercial value of the town centres, maintain and improve urban areas and protect the countryside.

The inquiry, chaired by government inspector Patrick Whitehead, is due to finish in June and marks the culmination of two years of consultation during which nearly 3,000 comments have been received from local people wanting a say in the future shape of their borough.

The inquiry will be split into 12 sessions and objectors who will be appearing include representatives from Blackburn Rovers, Tesco, and George Wimpey Strategic Land. The inspector is expected to make his recommendations at the end of the year and the council will then decide whether to accept his findings and produce a modification report setting out any changes.

The first formal session of the inquiry opens at 10am tomorrow in the council chamber at Blackburn Town Hall when the hearing will listen to details of an objector's proposed housing site at Isherwood Fold, Edgworth.

The afternoon session will deal with another objector's proposed housing site at Spring Vale, Darwen.

Anyone interested in attending any part of the inquiry and who would like a programme should contact Yvonne Parker on 01254 585596.

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