Councillor Neil Butterworth accused of ‘double standards’ and 'nimbyism'

Councillor Neil Butterworth

Councillor Neil Butterworth has been accused of ‘double standards’ and having a 'not-in-my-back-yard mentality’.

The accusations, expressed on social media last week, claimed that Councillor Butterworth was guilty of double standards as he is campaigning to stop building on green belt land in Milnrow and Newhey, where he lives, despite voting in favour of developments in Littleborough.

In response, Councillor Butterworth said: “Following a change in the law under David Cameron’s Conservative Government, green belt land can now be built upon. This change has made it very difficult for councils to stay within the law without allowing development on green belt land.

“If councils do not adhere to this law, they can face heavy court costs and can be fined. These cases and costs can run into millions of pounds.

“Recently, planning permission for 150 houses has been granted just off New Road in Littleborough. Although the land was not green belt, it was protected open space. There was no legal reason for planning not to be granted and therefore, if the Council had denied permission it could have resulted in court. If found guilty, possible fines and awarded costs could have been millions of pounds of local taxpayers’ money.”

He continued: “With further development planned around Greater Manchester, the Spatial Framework has been drafted to outline the proposed development strategy. The plan is in place to prevent developers from cherry-picking easy development sites rather than, as we would prefer, the brown field sites first.

“We are mindful, however, of the massive housing shortage and the need for business growth. Communicating this to the public has proven difficult.

“Therefore, the consultation period with residents has been extended to determine whether the Spatial Framework will meet the Community’s needs.”

The deadline for this is now 16 January. You can register your opinion at:

https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/info/20081/draft_plan