Planning changes discussed

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.”