Manchester readies local plan

A consultation on the strategic development plan could start on 17 August, if city councillors vote to progress the latest edition of the document.

The new Manchester local plan covers 2022 to 2039. If adopted, it would see the designated city centre boundary expand to include parts of Hulme, Strangeways, and Ancoats and New Islington.

The plan outlines 11 growth locations: the city centre, Victoria North, Holt Town, Sportcity, Central Park (North), Strangeways, North Manchester General Hospital, Wythenshawe Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, MIX Manchester, and Manchester Airport.

Six sites have been added to the list of local green spaces: Carlton Club, Sackville Gardens, Hough End – The Clough, Hough End – North Field, Chorlton Community Garden, and St John’s Garden.

This latest version builds on comments made last year from the previous consultation exercise.

Updated documents and policies include the strategic flood risk assessment, housing needs assessment, open space study, purpose-built student accommodation affordability, local green space assessment, and heritage evidence for Holt Town, Strangeways, and Victoria North.

This draft will largely be the version that is set to the secretary of state at the end of this year, as per government requirements. It has been in the works since 2020.

Manchester City Council’s executive committee is due to vote next week on starting a consultation for the local plan.

Companies that have assisted the city council on crafting the local plan include The Envrionment Partnership, Deloitte, Nexus Planning, Arc4, AECOM, Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, Three Dragons, Currie & Brown, Promarks, and JBA Consulting

Read the draft local plan.