Agenda

To consider any questions from members of the public under Procedure Rule 12.

To consider any Motions submitted under Procedure Rule 10. Two Motions have been submitted as follows:

MOTION 1

This Council wishes to record its support for the Boundary Commission for England proposal for new boundaries for the Blackburn Parliamentary constituency contained in the recent report setting out plans to improve the equalisation of the size of parliamentary constituencies. This proposal, which is identical to that presented in 2018 and supported by this Council at that time, will bring into the Blackburn constituency the significant remaining proportion of the Blackburn South and Lower Darwen ward as well as small parts of Ewood Ward, currently situated in the Rossendale and Darwen constituency, including areas in close proximity to Ewood Park which are a core part of the public perception of what constitutes Blackburn.  This Council supports the view of the Commission that the M65 motorway logically forms the boundary between Blackburn constituency and Darwen and also rectifies the fact that two wards are currently split across two constituencies which goes against the general principles of the Boundary Commission.    

The Council agrees for the Chief Executive to respond to the Boundary Commission for England consultation, confirming the Council’s support to the proposals for new boundaries for the Blackburn Parliamentary constituency.

Proposer: Cllr Phil Riley

Seconder: Cllr Damian Talbot

MOTION 2

The Government published a White Paper -“Planning For the Future” in August 2020 setting out wide-ranging and radical proposals to reform the planning system.  Whilst the Council welcomes the aim to simplify the planning system it is particularly concerned about the proposal to remove local residents’ right to object to individual planning applications in their own neighbourhood if the area is zoned for growth or renewal.  This is a threat to their long-established democratic right and the Council wishes to safeguard the principle of protecting residents’ right to have a say over individual planning applications in their own area. 

The Council believes planning works best when developers and the local community work together to shape local areas and deliver necessary new homes; and therefore calls on the Government to protect the right of communities to object to individual planning applications.

Proposer: Cllr Phil Riley

Seconder: Cllr Dave Smith

To consider any questions received from Members under Procedure Rule 11.