Public consultation begins for Places for Everyone changes
Stakeholders can now have their say on proposed modifications to the spatial framework for most of Greater Manchester.
Places for Everyone presents a strategy for development in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan. The framework outlines which areas are suitable for commercial, residential, and industrial development, as well as releases Green Belt land. Stockport is not part of the framework.
The modifications under consultation come from the Planning Inspectorate, which is charged with examining the local plan to ensure it is legally compliant ahead of it being sent to local authorities for adoption.
Modifications include extending the plan from 2037 to 2039, and increasing the amount of Green Belt release from 4,300 acres to 5,500 acres.
Each of the involved GM councils has agreed to put the modifications before the public for consultation. The consultation will run until 11:59pm on 6 December. You can access the consultation at gmconsult.org/pfe/mainmods2023/.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett is the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s portfolio lead for Places for Everyone. Regarding this next round of consultation, he said: “This is a key milestone in a meticulous and detailed process which has been carried out with care and precision.
“I’m exceptionally proud of the journey we’ve been on to reach this final consultation,” he continued. “Voices of our residents and partners across Greater Manchester have helped to shape the future we’re working towards.
“As we move into this next phase, we can set our sights on the end goal which is our vision to tackle inequalities across our region.”
Places for Everyone has been in the works since August 2014. Following the conclusion of the consultation, feedback will be sent back to the Planning Inspectorate. If all is in order and no further consultations are required, the Planning Inspectorate will then issue a final examination report. Each of the involved GM councils will need to vote on adopting Places for Everyone prior to the plan being implemented.
Earlier this year, Dennett said he expected Places for Everyone to be adopted in 2024.
