A FORMER leader of the Liberal Democrats on Blackburn with Darwen Council is to be reported to a national watchdog for allegedly breaking planning rules.

Darwen councillor Paul Browne is being reported to the Standards Board for England by rival councillor Jim Smith, chairman of the borough planning committee.

The alleged breach of rules relates to a planning application for a takeaway in Bridge Street, Darwen.

Coun Smith said Coun Browne had pre-determined his view before the committee meeting by speaking out in public against the fast-food outlet.

Under local government rules, councillors on the planning committee are prohibited from making their mind up about an application before a meeting. A councillor found to be breaking the rules could face suspension.

Coun Browne said the allegations were fuelled by jealousy and whatever the outcome of the case, he would not be silenced from representing his constituents.

Coun Smith said: "I will be reporting him because he was in the Telegraph saying that he was against it, and he also said so at a meeting of the full council. He has pre-determined his view. We are meant to make that decision at the committee.

"Paul has been on the committee for a long time, he knows the rules.

Last month Coun Browne, who represents Sudell ward, told the Telegraph: "We do not need another takeaway. There are so many in Darwen - about 30. We need skips to clear up the rubbish they create from their customers. There is no scope for another."

At the meeting of the planning committee, which was recommend to refuse permission for a shop to converted into a takeaway, Coun Browne spoke out against the application.

After a debate, Coun Smith asked for a recorded vote, when each councillor is individually asked if they agree or disagree with the recommendation in a report instead of a simple show of hands.

Coun Browne voted in favour of the recommendation, and after the application was refused, Coun Smith told him he would be reporting him to the Standards Board.

Coun Browne said: "It's the first time that the chairman of the committee has asked for a named vote, just because people were backing me.

"But I don't care. We will see what comes of it. I will still be doing what I think is right for the people I represent."

He said other councillors were jealous that he had appeared in the Telegraph.