Barbara Keeley, MP for Worsley and Eccles South, has criticised Greater Manchester Combined Authority for a planning process in which there appears to be no way for the public or MPs to comment or be involved in consideration of sites proposed for development by landowners or developers. Barbara believes that if the proposed sites were ever to be approved, it would mean the loss of large areas of green open space across Worsley and Eccles South.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority is currently developing the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework which means identifying sites for housing and economic development across Greater Manchester up to 2026. The initial phase consultation for the Framework received only around 170 responses from across Greater Manchester. Barbara has criticised the consultation process for poor communication which is not engaging or involving local people.
The Authority has now released a map which identifies many areas, suggested by landowners and developers, which developers want to be considered for housing and employment development. Large parcels of land across Worsley and Eccles South have been suggested, including sites like Leigh Road Worsley, land North of Leigh Road, Lumber Lane, land East of Boothstown, land East of the East Lancashire Road.
Other sites are around Walkden and in Winton, Barton, Irlam and Cadishead.
Barbara said:
“I was deeply concerned to see this map with large amounts of local green open land identified for possible housing and employment development. The loss of these areas would change the local landscape for the worse. I want to see this land preserved and not built on to meet targets which are Greater Manchester-wide.
“In response to the first phase of consultation on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, I raised serious concerns about any potential development on local Green Belt and green open spaces in Worsley and Eccles South. I am alarmed at the sites being suggested for development. I want to submit my strong objections as to why these sites should not be included in the Draft Plan. However, the process of gathering in and publishing suggested sites for development does not appear to allow any consultation with local people or with MPs.
“The number of responses that were received in response to the first phase of consultation shows just how poor this process has been. Greater Manchester Combined Authority should be reaching out to local communities on important strategic issues like this. These proposals will have a lasting impact on the local area and it is vital that the views of local people are included at every stage. It is unacceptable that no way is suggested so that local people cannot have their say on the latest map of suggested sites. This means people are forced to wait to see which of those areas will be supported when a draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework is produced in the autumn. I know this will cause much worry and uncertainty.
“I am urging both Salford City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to look again at the consultation process. The sites proposed by developers can be seen here: http://mappinggm.org.uk/call-for-sites/development-sites.htm
“Constituents who want to comment on the sites can do so by sending an email to me via my website at www.barbarakeeley.co.uk I will then ensure that the comments I receive are sent on. I will continue to campaign for the protection of our local Green Belt land and green open spaces and oppose plans that will lead to them being lost forever.”
