Stockport Council would like to thank residents for the feedback received so far on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework consultation which runs until 23rd December.

Some of the most-asked questions we received about the GMSF include:

– What about road and public transport? Congestion in the borough is already extremely high.
The draft GMSF plan says that improved public transport and investment in highway infrastructure will be required alongside any delivery of new homes and business premises.

– We all know how stretched existing school and healthcare provisions are. How will this be addressed?
The draft GMSF plan explains that all planned housing developments will have to provide the necessary school places, sports and recreational facilities and other social infrastructure to support communities across Stockport.

– Will there be more affordable housing?
Yes. Planned housing development across Stockport will be required to meet local housing needs, including affordable homes.

– Will Green Belt land be developed?
Across Greater Manchester, more than 70% of proposed housing will be delivered within the existing urban area. We have looked at the evidence and it is clear we cannot meet the need for housing and jobs within our urban areas. But we continue to work very hard to identify more opportunities to deliver more housing in the urban area and reduce the amount of Green Belt that is required.

Residents who would like to learn more about the GMSF plans, or have any other questions, are being encouraged to attend this week’s Area Committees. Our planning officers will be there to explain the GMSF proposals – see full list of Area Committees here: www.stockport.gov.uk/greater-manchester-spatial-framework/gmsf-events

Councillor Alex Ganotis, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “The GMSF public consultation, which will be followed by another next summer, marks the start of a long process. We have already had a great number of residents engaging with the consultation but I’d encourage even more people to have their say until next Friday, so the GMSF proposals can effectively meet the needs of our local area.”

You can take part in the consultation until 23rd December in a number of ways, including:

– Online at: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/info/20081/draft_plan

– Post: Grater Manchester Integrated Support Team, PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA.

– Email: send your responses, including your name and local authority, to GMSF@agma.gov.uk

For more information visit www.stockport.gov.uk/gmsf.