Consultation extended on Greater Manchester homes and jobs plan

Residents will have an extra three weeks to give their views on Greater Manchester proposals aimed at boosting housing and jobs.

Consultation on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) was due to close on 23 December but has now been extended until 16 January.

The move was proposed by Bury Council leader Rishi Shori and approved today (Friday) by the leaders of all ten GM councils.

Meanwhile, Bury people are reminded that a further public drop-in session will take place on Monday (19 Dec) at the Elizabethan Suite in Bury Town Hall.

Between noon and 7pm, visitors can look at the proposals for Bury contained in the GMSF, which is a strategic planning guide to meeting Greater Manchester’s employment and housing needs for the next 20 years and beyond.

Cllr Shori said: “This is a huge issue that needs thorough consideration with as many local residents as possible being able to express their views.

“There have already been hundreds of responses to the consultation and many more have signed petitions on the matter.

“I am delighted that my colleagues across Greater Manchester have now agreed with my suggestion to extend the consultation. I encourage people to take part, make their views known, and attend the drop-in session in Bury on Monday.”

Following the current consultation, a revised GMSF will be produced next year and this will be subject to further consultation. The plan will then be submitted to the Secretary of State and will be subject to a formal Examination by a Government-appointed Inspector. It is anticipated that the plan could be adopted towards the end of 2018.

Copies of the GMSF can be viewed at www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/GMSFwebsite, and in Bury at local libraries, at the council’s planning department reception in Knowsley Place, Bury, and at Bury Town Hall reception.

Responses to the consultation should be made:

• Online at http://gmsf-consult.objective.co.uk;
• By email GMSF@agma.gov.uk; or
• By post to: Greater Manchester Integrated Support Team, PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester M60 2LA

For more information, call the Greater Manchester Planning Team on 0161 237 4636.

ENDS

Press release issued: 16 December 2016.