GM spatial framework call for sites ends Monday

The latest consultation stage informing the creation of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework is due to close at midnight on Monday 11 January.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority began the formal consultation proceedings for the 20-year planning blueprint in early November. The call for sites “of any size and in any location” formed part of that consultation, as the local authorities recognised the existing land allocations will not meet demand for homes and business space in the future. There was also commissioned a green belt assessment which is due to complete by the end of March 2016.

The 10 Greater Manchester councils are working together to develop a joint spatial framework which will identify the land needed to meet housing and business needs over the next 20 years and manage the supply of land across the city-region.

Once complete the framework will also outline transport and other infrastructure improvements needed to meet Greater Manchester’s ambitions for more jobs and housing.

The call for sites is aimed at identifying areas of land for development of which authorities were not previously aware.

The submitted sites will be used to shape the ongoing development of the draft spatial framework which is expected to be completed, ready for consultation, by the end of 2016.

Eamonn Boylan, Greater Manchester chief executive lead for housing and planning, said: “As well as setting out our vision and objectives, this stage of consultation on our Spatial Framework aims to gather feedback on the number of homes and amount of employment land we think Greater Manchester needs in future.

“Once complete this plan will determine how we use land across Greater Manchester so its important gather opinions and feedback from local residents, business people and from the development industry.

“Over 1,300 people have already accessed our website to find out more but with less than a week until this consultation closes we want to give everyone a final reminder to have their say.

“This is by no means the last chance for people to get involved in shaping the plan for the city-region’s growth. There will be a number of opportunities to feedback on our plan as we shape it over the next 18 months.”

To take part in the consultation or to learn more about Greater Manchester’s Spatial Framework visit the Combined Authority website at www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/gmsf.

The consultation and call for sites will be open until midnight on 11 January 2016.