A COUNCIL'S blueprint for 7,000 new homes and 5,000 new jobs by 2037 has gone out to consultation.

Online technology will be used to ask for residents views because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It outlines Blackburn with Darwen Council's draft Local Plan for the next 17 years.

Information packs are being delivered to every household in the borough.

Display boards outlining the plan’s proposals are in place in Blackburn and Darwen Markets.

Everyone else is encouraged to view the boards on a special local plan web page.

The plans aim to boost the Borough’s Covid-19 recovery by improving housing, health and infrastructure such as roads and schools.

The blueprint emphasises the importance of providing high-quality larger and affordable housing.

It also aims to boost town centre recovery post Covid-19

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council's growth boss, said: "We know that the current pandemic has caused enormous challenges across just about every sector. However, it’s important we plan for the future with a clear vision of how we are going to improve our housing and employment for our future generations.

"It’s really important that we continue with the consultation despite the new lockdown – as this plan will ultimately help our post-Covid recovery."

Following the consultation, it is expected the plan will be submitted to the government in late 2021 before being adopted in 2022.