Campaign to Protect Rural England invites public to discuss Greater Manchester Spatial Framework plans

 The Lancashire branch of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE Lancashire) is inviting the public to discuss the environmental impact of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework proposals at an open meeting at the Friends Meeting House, Mount Street in Manchester at 10:30am on Wednesday 7 December.

Jackie Copley, Planning Manager for CPRE Lancashire, said: “The Government has announced brownfield pilots across Greater Manchester, and in the past the Councils were achieving between 80-90%, so the identified 70% brownfield target in the GMSF is too low.”

“GMSF should be promoting ‘Smart’ development based on sustainable development principles reusing brownfield land in advance of greenfield loss, where investment on public transport networks is central to growth, and demand for travel and energy is managed.

“The GMSF is unsustainable, developing greenfield first, at a loss of 8.2% of Green Belt and reliant on car use.”

Over 15,000 new homes are expected to be developed across the borough as part of the GMSF, affecting Roch Valley in Smallbridge, Trows Farm in Castleton, land to the north east of Smithy Bridge, Bamford and Norden, and land at Lane End, east of Heywood.

The meeting will discuss alternatives, including, but not limited to: exploring options for vacant land that was previously occupied, the scale of the developments, the value of Green Belt land and if the GMSF is the best option for the area.

Impacts on environmental quality and improving the sustainability of development are also topics projected to be discussed.

CPRE Lancashire supports a plan-led approach to providing economic and housing development to best protect valued countryside and urban green space. However, they have become alarmed at the scale development proposed and the focus of development on Green Belt land.

In response, CPRE Lancashire has commissioned an expert demographer to test the figures and confirm whether the calculations are based on over-high growth rates. It will also oppose the development of 4,990 acres of farm land and wildlife habitat.

To book your attendance and have your say, visit:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greater-manchester-spatial-framework-meeting-tickets-29605004365?ref=ebtnebregn

For further information, email Jackie Copley (Planning Manager):

jackie.copley@cprelancashire.org.uk