‘It has come at worst possible time’ – Lib Dem leader
CONSULTATION on the region’s controversial housing masterplan comes at ‘the worst possible time’ and should be postponed, it has been claimed.
The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework was signed off by local leaders last month and - should it be voted through by all 10 town halls - the public will soon have their say.
An eight-week public consultation is pencilled in to get underway from December 1.
Unlike previous exercises - which gave people the chance to comment or object site by site - this one will ask people to say whether they think the document is ‘sound’ on a number of measures, such as whether it positively promotes economic growth or is consistent with national planning policy.
While Andy Burnham recently extended the olive branch of ‘one last conversation’ to sceptical councillors, there is no doubt it is now ‘crunch time’ for the long-delayed blueprint.
Local leaders say the plan is essential for delivering the homes and economic growth the region needs and want to progress it as soon as possible.
But Rochdale Lib Dem leader Coun Andy Kelly says the timing could not be worse given the current circumstances - and has called for the consultation to be put on hold.
“It seems foolhardy to put such a vital piece of consultation to the public during a pandemic and over the Christmas period. But to do so straight after a national lockdown with the threat of a longer extension is massively irresponsible in our view,” said Coun Kelly.
“This is the worst possible time for the most important decision in years. The general public are facing enormous pressures at the moment. Aside from the risk of Covid-19 itself; loneliness, isolation, job losses, redundancy and rising food prices are all very real distractions from this issue.”
Coun Kelly believes the proposals are being ‘put through via the back door’ at a time when people are unable to meet in public, view plans, speak to officers and share opinions.
He added: “People are rightly focused on their families. It is a disgrace to even call this a consultation. These plans are already three years late, so postponing them another two or three months will make very little difference.”
However, Rochdale council leader Allen Brett takes an entirely different view - and says it is time to finally get the spatial framework over the line.
He said: “This has now been going on for years. He (Coun Kelly) has had plenty of opportunity to put forward his view; he just wants to complain.
“He isn’t interested in consultation, he just wants to say no to the plan.”