Burnley Council holds first ever virtual meeting

The council's Thursday night development control committee, which should have been held in Burnley Town Hall, took place remotely and was broadcast on YouTube.

The meeting is likely to be the first of many if the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

During the meeting, councillors approved an application by the Hallmark Group to turn Victory House on Lowerhouse Lane into offices, a training centre and a beauty clinic. The Victorian former schoolhouse was previously occupied by a printing company.

The councillors also approved an application for extensions to a semi-detached house in Thursby Road, Lanehead.

Burnley council economic development boss and Liberal Democrat leader Coun. Gordon Birtwistle said: “It went well.

“It was open to the public to join in digitally. It took an hour instead of 30 minutes to decide two applications.

“There will have to be more including Full Council with 45 members on May 27th which could be chaos.”