BURNLEY councillors have agreed to recommend the authority’s updated strategic plan for final approval.

The 21-page document, which sets out the projected need for services and housing in the borough, was put before the council’s executive on Monday.

They rubber-stamped the ‘bold and ambitious’ update, which will now be sent to the full council for approval before it is implemented.

Councillor Mark Townsend, executive member for resources and performance management, said: “We make no apologies for setting out this ambitious and challenging vision for Burnley’s future.

“The council will work with residents, businesses, community groups and private and voluntary organisations, in fact anyone who wants a better Burnley, to bring this vision to fruition.”

The updated strategic plan includes an additional focus on improving transport infrastructure to make the borough more ‘connected’, and creating a close partnership with Burnley Leisure, the new charitable trust which is taking over leisure and culture services.