A COUNCIL leader said Barrow had the opportunity for a 'significant renaissance' as the plan for the Westmorland and Furness unitary authority was voted through.

Cllr Jonathan Brook was responding to concerns that Barrow was 'underrepresented' in the document.

He referenced the Brilliant Barrow programme of regeneration and emphasised the importance of manufacturing. 

"Personally, I have been spending quite a lot of time in Barrow, particularly with senior management at BAE," said Cllr Brook, who represents the Liberal Democrats.

"It has the opportunity of driving forward the economy of Westmorland and Furness.

"That's not to discount all the other employers and small and medium enterprises in the area."

He said the authority would be 'grasping' opportunities to enable the development of BAE.

Conservative councillor Ben Shirley had earlier told the meeting of the shadow unitary authority: "In order for this area to thrive, truly thrive, then it relies on Barrow's success."

The plan was approved unanimously despite some concerns about the council's ability to deliver on its commitments. 

READ MORE: Council to commit to tackling inequality and discrimination

The document says the 'golden thread' of being a caring council will 'run through everything' the authority does. 

It says the council will work to tackle discrimination, inequality and biodiversity loss and will 'support everyone to start well, live well and age well'.

Conservative councillor Phil Dew expressed reservations, however, suggesting the plan was 'utopian' in its outlook.

"I think the plan needs to be realistic and achievable if it's going to be at all credible, and I don't think it's realistic," he said. 

"The plan lists a number of priorities, and the idea of priorities is to prioritise, but in fact the priorities cover just about everything."

Liberal Democrat councillor Vicky Hughes said: "I have young children, and I say to my children 'you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it and work hard'.

"Anything is achievable if you work together, work hard and put your mind to it."

Cllr Anne Burns, who represents Labour, stressed that the plan was a 'working document' and would 'change as we evolve'.

"I can't see anything there that is anything we would want to disagree with," she said. 

Conservative councillor Hilary Carrick called for caution and said it was important the authority did not 'overpromise and underachieve'.

"I'm sure we won't, but I look forward to seeing the delivery plan that supports this," she said. 

Westmorland and Furness Council is to begin operating from April 1 of next year.