A SERIES of drop-in events have been held across Stockport for people and businesses to have their say on Greater Manchester’s plan for homes, jobs and the environment.
The events follow the official launch of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF). It sets out to make Greater Manchester one of “the best places to live and work in the world”.
The plan is being produced by all 10 Greater Manchester councils – including Stockport - working together in partnership to ensure the right land is available in the right places to deliver homes and jobs up to 2037.
It will also identify the new infrastructure such as transport, schools, health centres and utility networks required to achieve this.
Stockport Council has pledged to adopt a ‘brownfield first’ approach to future homebuilding.
And to inform people of what the GMSF means locally for Stockport, the local authority has organised a number of drop-in events around the borough.
Events have already been held in Hazel Grove, Reddish, Heald Green, Offerton and Cheadle Hulme. Further events are planned.
They include a session at Woodford on Monday March 4 from 4.30pm to 8.30pm at Woodford Community Centre.
Romiley residents will be able to have their say on Tuesday March 5 from 6pm to 8.30pm at Romiley Primary School.
And another event is planned on Thursday March 7, from 5pm to 8.30pm at Woodley Civic Hall.
Kate Butler, Stockport Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “We have made a firm commitment to the people of Stockport that we will – as far as possible – build the homes we need on previously developed land.
“This brownfield first approach is central to our ambitions and we have shown we have changed the first draft of the GMSF plan in light of feedback from our local communities.
“However we understand that the issues in one area of the borough may not be the same as in others, so we want to hear from local communities about the place they live – what works, what doesn’t, what they need and what they’d like to protect.
“To enable us to deliver the best possible plan we need and want your views so we can help shape a Stockport fit for the future.
“It is vitally important we listen to local views on how we can improve the environment and provide new opportunities to live and work in Stockport."
An online consultation is available at www.gmconsult.org – it will run until March 18.