Since being elected to Parliament in 2015, I have worked hard to ensure that local residents voices have been listened to throughout the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) process. I stand firmly against any building on greenbelt and I have championed a brownfield first approach to any development.
We have a responsibility to protect local green spaces, because once they’re gone, they’re gone. Building on our brownfield sites offers the opportunity to develop our area sustainably, with affordable, shared ownership and social housing. Redeveloping brownfield sites also preserves our cultural heritage, bringing redundant buildings back to life with the added bonus of having access to local transport links- whether this be by train, bus or cycling provision.
This is why I have worked with the Government to unlock Stockport’s potential. As a result, they have awarded Greater Manchester over £81million to bring forward brownfield sites ready for development and, at the same time, provided the cash to spearhead the building of over 3000 new homes in our town centre. This plan provides the right homes, in the right places. It will help local first-time buyers to stay in the area that they’ve grown up in.
Releasing greenbelt for development, especially those put forward in the GMSF, is entirely unsuitable and unsustainable. It would create even greater congestion in areas already impacted by heavy traffic, reduce access to much-needed open space crucial for our enjoyment and wellbeing.
I encourage all Stockport councillors, whose decision this is, to reject the GMSF at the Council Vote on Tuesday.
