Greater Manchester Spatial Framework to be 'reworked'

Greater Manchester Spatial Framework

Presented during Councillor Daalat Ali’s report as Cabinet Member for Planning and Development to the full council meeting on Wednesday, the ‘reworked’ Greater Manchester Spatial Framework aims to include more emphasis on affordable homes, fringe towns, and a ‘significant reduction’ in plans to build on Green Belt.

The developments propose more than 15,000 houses to be developed across the Rochdale borough in Bamford and Norden, Roch Valley in Smallbridge, Trows Farm in Castleton, land to the north east of Smithy Bridge and land at Lane End to the east of Heywood.

In addition, 120 houses are being considered for Green Belt land in Milnrow and Newhey, and a further 1,400 houses are proposed across the River Beal in Shaw.

A first draft of the proposal was submitted in January, with hundreds opposing the plans at Green Belt rallies across Manchester. A final draft was due to go out to consultation later this year, and adoption scheduled for 2018. This timetable is now likely to be revised.

Councillor Andy Kelly aired his concern that ‘following the elections, the GMSF has become lost.’ He asked for reassurance that ‘it would not slip through.’

Speaking on behalf of absent Council Leader Richard Farnell, Councillor Allen Brett responded: “The spatial framework will be carefully and fully evaluated; we are committed to prioritising building on brownfield sites first. Residents have been asked to contribute and review.”

He added that Rochdale was the greenest borough in Greater Manchester, and still would be after green belt land was released under the spatial framework.

Councillor Daalat Ali, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “I can assure we won’t go on the green belt for fun, only when required.”

Councillor Michael Holly added: “I’m concerned the intentions will free up too much green land we should be proud of and protect.”

He asked for confirmation that no new developments would take place on green belt until the brownfield sites are filled, but Councillor Ali replied he could not legally confirm that and they would aim to ‘strike a balance’.

Councillor Jane Howard added she was pleased to see the intensity of affordable homes increased in Councillor Ali’s report.

Following adoption of the Core Strategy, the Council is commencing work on a Site Allocations Plan, which will identify the location and amount of land needed to deliver the housing and employment growth as set out in the strategy.

The Core Strategy is the Council's plan on how the borough should grow and develop up until 2028. It shows the scale of employment and housing land needed and identifies where regeneration and environmental improvements should be focused. It also looks at what transport and other services are needed to support growth and development.

The Sites Allocation Plan will identify the sites to deliver the spatial vision for Rochdale Borough and the level of growth set out in the Adopted Core Strategy and will focus on identifying sites for housing and employment use in the urban areas.

The Council intends to consult on the draft allocations plan this autumn, in parallel with any further consultation on the GM Spatial Framework.