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Planning changes discussed
Date published: 07 April 2009
Proposals for a supersize planning authority stretching from Liverpool to Manchester have been given the thumbs down by Oldham’s council leader.
Councillor Howard Sykes said the idea, backed by Peel Holdings, the company behind the Trafford Centre, might be good for developers, but local residents would take a different view.
However, he backed the idea of co-ordinated planning policies across the region, to prevent developers switching from authority to authority.
He said: “I can’t see anyone being happy with a single planning authority.
“In the economic downturn I can see the criteria for things like renewable energy homes being standardised, otherwise developers will just go to the authority where it is cheapest.”
The plan is at the centre of a regional row, and was discussed by all 10 Association of Greater Manchester Authorities members, at their last meeting.
The Government Office North-West favours a different scheme without a single planning authority but still looking at regional development involving Peel, which owns 50 significant sites in the Liverpool to Manchester corridor.
Councillor Sykes added: “These proposals were noted but we will have to have a proper look at them.”
Comments
They couldn't give a stuff about the people of Gr Manchester one way or t'other. It's all about creating ever more pots of money they can dig their snouts in. Peel think they would get an easy ride on planning applications if there were just one unwieldy authority. Do you think a representative from, say, Liverpool, would give a toss about plans to build anything in Oldham? All our problems must have been solved if this all they have to yap about.
Have Your Say
Association of Greater Manchester Authorities are biased against the people of manchester! just look at how they tried to fool us with the con charge!
By fedupoldhamer @ 07/04/2009 15:54:27