PM deals fresh blow to green belt plans
SPECULATION huge developments on green belt land across Greater Manchester could be radically scaled back - or scrapped altogether - is mounting after the Prime Minister dealt the region’s controversial housebuilding plans yet another blow.
Theresa May reiterated the Tories’ promise that protected spaces are ‘safe in the government’s hands’ when quizzed by Conservative MP for Hazel Grove William Wragg.
Mrs May said councils must do everything they can to protect designated green spaces and exhaust all other options before bulldozing them for new homes.
She said she was confident Greater Manchester leaders would listen to the views of scores of residents who have had their say on the housebuilding masterplan.
During Prime Minister’s Questions Mr Wragg asked: “What assurances can my right honourable friend give to my constituents that the green belt is safe with this government?”
Mrs May said: “I’m very happy to give that commitment to my honourable friend. The government is very clear that the green belt must be protected and very clear that boundaries should only be altered when local authorities have fully examined all other reasonable options.
“If they do go down that route, then they should compensate by improving the quality or accessibility of remaining green belt land so that can be enjoyed.
“I know the particular issue my honourable friend has raised. I believe the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework did lead to quite a number of responses, there was a lot of interest in that consultation.
“It closed last month and I’m sure all those views will be taken into account.”
Campaigners have piled on the pressure over green belt plans with a series of protests throughout the region.
Leaders have previously insisted that, to meet demand, green belt development is unavoidable.
But increasingly council sources say a number of proposals on protected land can actually be easily scaled back to quell public outcries.