Oldham Council Controversial 11,500-home Scheme to Go Ahead After Minister Intervention
Despite growing concerns from local Cllrs and residents regarding loss of greenbelt land, the housing minister has officially denied the bid to back out of the 11,500-home scheme.
In a letter addressed to the council, Matthew Pennycook stated there is “no justification” for approving the withdrawal.
His Response Followed a Letter From the Borough to the Secretary of State for Housing
His response followed a letter from the borough to the Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, requesting permission to exit the scheme without offering an explanation.
Earlier this year, in February, a cross-party group of councillors narrowly voted to revoke the Places for Everyone (PfE) scheme.
This joint development plan, adopted in March 2024, involves nine districts within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Notably, Stockport opted out of the project.
The proposals sparked controversy among councillors and local residents due to plans to utilize greenbelt land, including areas at Beal Valley, Bottom Field Farm, and Broadbent Moss.
The letter explained, “The government has been clear in its commitment to the plan-led system.
Government Clamping Down on Local Plan Rejections
Local plans provide the stability and certainty that communities, businesses, and developers want to see the planning system deliver.
“They are a key tool for encouraging and directing investment in local areas, helping to secure the housing, jobs, and infrastructure that places need. Authorities that fail to maintain an up-to-date plan are failing their communities.”
He added that the council could offer additional reasons to validate the revocation after the decision is made.
The PfE framework outlines plans to construct 170,000 homes across the region by 2039. It serves as a component of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), which focuses on broader regeneration initiatives across all ten local authority areas.
The Places for Everyone (PfE) framework is a long-term development plan involving nine districts within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). It was adopted in March 2024 and aims to guide sustainable growth, housing, and infrastructure development across the region until 2039.
Key aspects of the PfE framework include:
Housing Development: Plans to build 170,000 homes across the nine districts, focusing on maximizing the use of brownfield land while protecting greenbelt areas from unplanned development.
Infrastructure Support: Ensures new developments are integrated with Greater Manchester’s transport network and supported by necessary infrastructure like utilities.
Environmental Protection: Safeguards important environmental assets across the city region.
Economic Growth: Allocates sites for employment and housing outside urban areas to support jobs and industry.
The framework evolved from the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) and reflects feedback from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. You can explore more details about the PfE framework here.
