25,000 reponses to Greater Manchester Spatial Framework consultation

Greater Manchester Spatial Strategy

Around 25,000 responses to the consultation on Greater Manchester’s plan for homes and jobs – the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework - have been submitted to the draft plan's consultation.

Councillor Richard Farnell, GMCA Lead for Planning and Housing, said: “It’s clear that many people across Greater Manchester have strong feelings about this plan. That’s something we recognise and will respond to. We will not ignore what you are telling us – and we will consider every single submission and look at where changes can and should be made.

“While the vast majority of the plan proposes building within the urban area, including on brownfield sites, I know there are concerns around potential development on specific sites designated as green belt. I also understand that people want to see more detail on our plans for brownfield regeneration, infrastructure and transport to support this plan.

“There are a range of opinions on the draft plan, with some groups asking for development to be scaled back, and others campaigning for more development in Greater Manchester. That spectrum means we will not be able to address every concern, but I’m confident that by working together with local people we can create a plan that ensures future generations can find a decent home, with great transport links, in a Greater Manchester which respects and nurtures its natural resources.”

In the light of the level of consultation responses received and the further work needed it will be recommended to Greater Manchester leaders that consultation on the next stage of the plan should be moved to September. The regulations require a formal consultation of at least six weeks. It will be proposed that all future consultations on the plan for homes and jobs will be for double that period, 12 weeks.

Over 2,600 responses were submitted onlinel. In addition approximately 16,500 letters and 8,000 email representations were received. Early analysis indicates that over 90% of responses were regarding sites rather than the overall spatial framework strategy and thematic areas.

The draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework document was accessed over 50,000 times from the GMCA website and a similar number accessed the information documents available on the consultation portal.

Over 80 public events were held across Greater Manchester where residents and others could find out more about the draft spatial framework. The events were well attended with many recording hundreds of attendees. The extension to the consultation period from 23 December to 16 January gave the opportunity for additional events to be run in local areas and thousands of further submissions to be received.