Labour is urging residents to have their say on the draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) which, if approved by the Combined Authority on 28th October, will be subject to consultation from 31st October with a final masterplan expected in 2017.

The GMSF could see 19,300 new homes built in Stockport between now and 2035 and people across Greater Manchester will soon be able to have their say on a set of development proposals.

Labour Council Leader Alex Ganotis said ‘Greater Manchester has a stark challenge to meet in terms of house-building over the next 20 years, needing to build more than 11,200 homes every year just to keep pace with our growing economy and population.

‘The ten Councils in GM are working together to ensure new homes and jobs are provided in the right places with the correct infrastructure in place so that development is sustainable.

‘Any development plan needs to maximise the use of brownfield sites, minimise the impact on the greenbelt, and ensure that modern infrastructure properly supports new homes.’

The draft GMSF, which is published on Thursday 20th October, aims to support the delivery of sustainable economic growth for the region, creating more jobs and new homes for local people over the next 20 years.

It specifies that Greater Manchester will need 227,200 new dwellings by 2035, with 9% of these in Stockport.

Executive Councillor for Economy and Regeneration Kate Butler said ‘Labour has been saying since May that we will only agree to the final plan if we are assured they have the majority backing of the Council and can bring people with us.

‘Nothing has been decided – this is an open consultation on how to deliver the housing required over the next 20 years. It’s important to note that without the GMSF Stockport would still need to meet the assessment of housing need which underpins this process.

‘Labour is committed to building new affordable homes for local people in a sustainable way with a brownfield first policy, accompanied by the infrastructure which is needed and with respect for our environment, so that everybody benefits from house-building in Stockport.’

Greater Manchester Leaders will decide whether to approve the draft plan of GMSF when they meet on Friday 28th October. If approved, the views of Greater Manchester residents will be sought during an eight-week consultation period.

Councillor Richard Farnell, the Leader of Rochdale Council leads for the Combined Authority on the GMSF as chair of the Greater Manchester Housing and Planning Commission.