3.3. Green belt and Brownfield
Stockport Labour accepts that there is a need to examine building on some green-belt allocated land. Indeed without this, some of our more densely populated urban areas will face significant pressures in the near term. That said:

I. We question if the development outlined in the GMSF cannot be rationalised to identify space savings. Building on 9% of the green belt area we have in Stockport appears excessive, and represents a one-off diminution of a precious asset. In the next iteration we would like to see more work and creative solutions brought to bear in reducing this figure, to promote truly affordable housing and to have greater confidence that every effort has been made to prioritise brownfield sites for development.

II. In assessing the impacts of development upon areas of green belt land we would like it noted that the current plans appear without reference to developments planned immediately outside the GMSF area. For example GMSF development plans around Woodford are in close proximity to plans for significant development across the border by Cheshire East Council (CEC). Provision should be made to take account of similar developments across the Greater Manchester area at in future report iterations, and plans including Woodford revisited in light of this.

III. Further to this, Stockport Labour would like to see clearer communication of the difference between the planning designations and what the GMSF will mean for Greenbelt allocated land, Brownfield land, and other green areas not designated under either. Opacity in these areas has led to some confusion relating to these areas and further work would be beneficial in making clear to the public the impact of future planning decisions.

Submitted 16/01/17