Published Tuesday 16 February 2021 at 11:24
Due to the pandemic Blackburn with Darwen Council can’t engage with residents in the usual ways. For the current Local Plan public consultation we’re offering a variety of virtual community events to ensure residents in the borough can have their say.
Planning Aid England have ran two workshops already. They have provided attendees from a range of voluntary and community groups with independent planning advice. Those who attended the events had an opportunity to raise any concerns arising from the proposals set out in the Local Plan. Residents also gained detailed insights into the Local Plan process and how to submit comments.
For those who wish to join in with the consultation before the deadline of Friday 19th February full details are at www.blackburn.gov.uk/localplan
By taking part you’re helping us to shape the town you live in and also you could be in with a chance to win a £50 shopping voucher.
Young people in BwD aged 11-18 are also being asked to give their feedback about our Local Plan, with targeted sessions taking place via schools and the Council’s Youth Services.
Online survey link aimed at 11-18s: Locality Plan Consultation: What do you think about your local area?
BwD’s Executive Member for Growth and Development, Cllr Phil Riley said: “It’s really important that young people in the borough have their say on the Local Plan because, after all, it’s a plan about the town where they are going to grow up and hopefully, build successful and happy lives. So, despite the pandemic, we need to know what they think about the plans – which is why the online survey is a fantastic engagement tool for the Council.”
We’ve also engaged with schools and targeted Youth Service Support sessions, which continue to run during the pandemic for vulnerable young people. These sessions are to ensure we are reaching young voices on this important issue, with over 50 surveys completed already, with Blackburn Youth Zone sessions organised for the coming weeks.
Some of the key themes arising from the survey responses so far are around litter, park facilities, traffic and suggestions for a range of sports and walking groups, cooking/heathy eating groups.