CONCERNS have been raised by council executives over changes made to the borough's local plan.

Burnley Council's executive has recommended that elected members adopt the final modified version of Burnley's local plan.

The plan, which sets out policies to guide the amount, location and quality of development, has been subject to a 'rigorous' examination by an independent planning inspector appointed by a senior Government minister last year.

The inspectors report, which includes a series of modifications to the local plan, must be accepted by the council, a council spokesman said.

These changes include lowering the amount of employment land required in the borough from 90 hectares to at least 66 hectares, which includes Shuttleworth Mead South and the Burnley Bridge Extension, removing a traveller site at Oswald Street and council's proposals for specific quality standards for developments on green field sites.

In light of the changes, the plan has been approved by Burnley Council's executive board, but some concerns were raised over the reduction of employment land by its members about the modifications.

Council leader Mark Townsend said: "I do have some concerns that our original proposals for business growth land have been scaled back and that quality standards for some housing sites have also been reduced. However, the plan is a careful balance of different objectives that will still deliver the growth this borough needs.

"If the council does not to adopt a new plan, the council could lose control over what gets built where. Not adopting the plan would potentially lead to us ‘planning by appeal’, with decisions being made by national government in London.

Cllr Sue Graham, executive member for economy and growth, added: "If the council does not to adopt a new plan, the council could lose control over what gets built where. Not adopting the plan would potentially lead to us ‘planning by appeal’, with decisions being made by national government in London.

"While I am disappointed by the decision of the inspector to remove some employment land, I am pleased that, overall, this is a local plan which is based on local priorities. I am confident that it will help create future economic growth.

The final decision to approve the plan will be made at a meeting of Burnley's full council on Wednesday, July 31 at Burnley Town Hall.