A MAJOR document which will shape planning policies in Blackburn for years to come will be delayed by 12 months because of a massive response from the public.

Planning chiefs are putting together a local plan for the borough which will lay down guidelines for builders and developers.

But the lengthy process looks set to be prolonged because the council has to deal with 2,400 separate letters from the public.

A recent shift in planning policy by the Government is also likely to add to the delay.

The latest policy is centred around bringing business back to town centres and the borough plan will have to follow the changes to guidelines.

A draft version of the local plan is likely to be completed at the end of next year but a public inquiry will have to be held into complaints about the proposals.

The Government inspector in charge of the inquiry is likely to take a further six months to publish his findings.

The cost of extending contracts for temporary planning officers is likely to come to more than £22,000.

The final plan was due to be published in the summer of 1998 but will now come out in August of 1999 at the earliest.

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