Still concerns with revised homes plan

THE New Year has started as the last one ended, with Brexit dominating the national debate, but issues closer to home have taken centre stage in Greater Manchester.

The revised Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) has been published and was signed off by Council Leaders last week.

Originally published in 2016, the GMSF is Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s, housing strategy that sets out the number of homes and supporting infrastructure required over the next 18 years.

If implemented, it will have a long term impact on our region’s green belt and the character of our towns and villages.

The first draft of this plan was widely opposed particularly by residents in my constituency.

Thousands of people signed my petition opposing the widespread loss of green space, and while there have been significant changes there are still many contentious points which will concern people.

Finding the right place to build over 14,000 homes across Stockport will never be an easy task, but once again there are still some communities facing a burden that could prove too heavy.

While Woodford’s plans have changed radically, some green belt would still be lost around the old aerodrome site, and Heald Green is still set to suffer, despite a reduction in the proposed number of new homes.

Although the housing numbers are down, the disappearance of so much green belt remains a real concern.

Whilst the new A555 relief road has helped ease traffic in the Borough, there remains the prospect of thousands of homes being built in areas which are already facing significant congestion.

New rail station provision as well as additional trains linking our towns, are an essential part of any plan which has an ambition to build connected communities.

Proposals to the south of Stockport Borough must also be viewed in light of plans by Cheshire East for a Garden Village, and the construction of 1,500 new homes on its border.

The consultation on Stockport’s proposals is running from January 14 – March 18, and the plans are currently available on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website.

I will be listening to the views of residents and urge people to take part in the consultation.