URL: https://democracy.blackburn.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1217

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   (1)  That progress made during the year in finalising the design and obtaining the necessary approval from National Highways be noted.   (2)  That the award of £20m Government funding to the Council, with £15.2m allocated towards the M65 Junction 5 Improvement Scheme, and £4.8m allocated to the South East Blackburn Walking and Cycling Scheme, and the ongoing discussions with the Department for Transport to monitor progress be noted.   (3)  That a further report be submitted to the Executive Board to provide an update on the South East Blackburn Walking and Cycling Scheme with the works expected to be completed by March 2026.   (4)  That a total project cost of £26.2m for the M65 Junction 5 Improvement Scheme, funded by £15.2m of Government grant and £11m of developer funding, to be secured by Section 106 Agreement under the Town and Country Planning Act be approved.  That the list of allocated development sites within South East Blackburn and the proposed contributions set out in the ‘Developer Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) June 2024’ be noted.   (5)  That the Council’s approach to drive economic growth by delivering the necessary infrastructure improvements with advance funding, or cash-flowing, until the planned developer contributions were received be noted.   (6)  That capital funding of £6.0m for 2026/27 in the existing capital programme be noted.   (7)  That the requirement to cashflow the project in lieu of the receipt of Section 106 payments expected to be paid in the year 2027/28 onwards and the forecast revenue budget implications of this, as set out in section 6 of the report be approved.   (8)  That the Growth Programme Director, in liaison with the Deputy Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to finalise terms and issue a Notice to Proceed to Balfour Beatty to commence the Construction Phase.   (9)  That the Deputy Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to finalise terms and complete the legal agreement with National Highways to undertake work on the motorway network.   (10)        That it be noted mobilisation activities be undertaken in advance of construction works, with construction works due to commence on 12th January 2026 with the works expected to be substantially completed by early 2028.

Date of Decision: November 13, 2025