Greenbelt issue key

PROTECTING our precious greenbelt is a key issue for me, one I remain very passionate about.

That is why I am keen to have sight of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, a policy which will determine where housing development could take place across Greater Manchester over the next 20 years.

Make no mistake, this document will have far-reaching consequences for decades to come.

There is general agreement across all the main political parties that there is a national need for more housing. However, this should never be achieved by the indiscriminate development of our greenbelt. And it is this which concerns me most because once the greenbelt is lost it is lost forever.

We urgently need to identify all suitable brownfield sites, including ones in and around Stockport and other urban areas across the city region, where the communities would benefit from the additional investment generated by large-scale regeneration projects.

I have previously campaigned to protect areas of Cheadle from inappropriate development. Going forward, we must challenge any plans which will not only threaten our countryside, but also put unprecedented pressure on our infrastructure and undermine our local communities.

Any proposals presented by Greater Manchester Combined Authority will be subject to consultation, so I urge local people to examine the plans when published. The localism agenda does much to make planning law more accountable to the will of local people and it is important that your views and opinions are not only heard but listened to.

To be kept up to date with developments, please visit my website at mary-robinson.org.uk.