Campaigners march through Bamford for Save Bamford Greenbelt anniversary walk

Hundreds of people turned out in force despite snow and sleet for the Save Bamford Greenbelt anniversary walk

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Hundreds of people turned out in force despite snow and sleet on Saturday 20 January to protest plans to build over 700 homes on precious greenbelt land in Bamford.

Under the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) proposals, land to the west of Norden Road could see up to 750 new homes built. Submitted in January 2017, the initial plans were met with outrage across the whole of Greater Manchester, with thousands of campaigners taking part in greenbelt rallies.

The campaign – the Save Bamford Greenbelt anniversary walk – comes one year after hundreds of campaigners marched through Bamford, opposing Spatial Framework proposals to build on local greenbelt land.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/107412/hundreds-turn-out-for-save-bamford-green-belt-ramble

The ramble followed the same route as 2017, beginning on the green opposite Tesco at Bamford precinct and continuing around the perimeter of the football fields. The group passed the affected land to Bamford Chapel, where refreshments were served.

Organiser Sean Clowes told ITV Granada the plans would ‘be a disaster’.

He added: “It would absolutely change the fabric of Bamford forever. We have round about 11 football pitches, and 700 kids every week who use those facilities.”

Resident Tim O’Brien said: “The greenbelt around Bamford is the lungs of Bamford in lots of respect, and it’s under threat. There’s a huge community amenity that we’re in danger of losing and it would change the face of Bamford forever: it’s close to the hearts of the whole community.

“It is one of the most beautiful parts of the borough, and if it’s lost, it’s lost forever.”

The first draft of the GMSF proposed more than 15,000 houses to be developed across the Rochdale borough: covering greenbelt land in Bamford and Norden, Roch Valley in Smallbridge, Trows Farm in Castleton, land to the north east of Smithy Bridge, land at Lane End to the east of Heywood, plus 120 houses in Milnrow and Newhey, and a further 1,400 houses across the River Beal in Shaw.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106035/public-consultation-for-proposed-development-sites-across-the-borough-opens

Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed that he will rework the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework to include more emphasis on affordable homes, fringe towns, and a significant reduction in plans to build on Green Belt.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/112762/greater-manchester-mayor-andy-burnham-refocuses-planning-debate-on-town-centres

More than 27,000 people responded to the initial consultation on the draft GMSF. Responses included around 17,000 letters and 18 separate petitions, as well as thousands of comments made through the GMSF consultation portal.

A second draft of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework is expected to be published in June 2018.