Borough’s plans face government inspection

Major plans to develop the borough of Rochdale over the next 15 years are now being considered by the government. 

Last year the ‘Core Strategy’ - the council’s plan on how the borough should grow and develop over the next 15 years was put out to public consultation.  It showed the scale of employment and housing land needed, and identified where regeneration should be focused (e.g. town centres) and which areas should be improved. It also looked at what transport and other services needed to support growth and development.

One of the key proposals included the development of green belt land in South Heywood for employment and housing.  Objectors argued there was no need to allocate more land for employment and housing and that there are better alternatives to releasing green belt. So, an independent government inspector (Mr Patrick T Whitehead DipTP (Nott) MRTPI), appointed by the Secretary of State will now decide whether the Core Strategy constitutes a sound planning document. 

He will hear the objections at an Examination in Public later in the year.  Prior to this, an exploratory meeting is to be held to discuss some of the inspector’s concerns and to discuss the way forward for the Examination.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Management and Economic Regeneration said the inspector is particularly keen to ensure that all the necessary evidence is before him before he can start the examination and decide if the plan is sound:

“The meeting is open to the public to attend, observe, and comment, but the inspector will primarily be looking to the representatives of the council to address him on the matters he has concerns about.”

At the meeting the inspector will not take any formal evidence or consider policies in respect of the Core Strategy. These would be matters for discussion at later hearing sessions. This means that there will be no consideration or discussion at the meeting of the merits of the various matters of concern.

The exploratory meeting will be held at Rochdale Town Hall on Wednesday 27 July 2011 at 10am.  Once a date has been set for the examination, the council will notify objectors and supporters. 

For more information about the Core Strategy EIP and to view the documents go to the council’s web site at:  www.rochdale.gov.uk/ldf  or email corestrategyEIP@rochdale.gov.uk 

The council has already consulted on various options during formal stages involving public meetings around the borough.  The Core Strategy was published last year in line with legal requirements.