At a local government level, it has been a breathless week. Stockport have deferred their vote on the GMSF over unresolvable disputes related to the allocation of land for housing. Salford promptly deferred their own vote as any changes to Stockport's allocation would probably mean changes to their own allocation and felt they could not vote until the matter was resolved.

In Rochdale, Councillors Andy Kelly, Tom Besford and Michael Holly amongst others raised serious concerns at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday evening. Issues were raised with the haste and timing of the process, the many unresolved practical concerns - including traffic, flooding, access to services as well as the effects of Brexit and COVID on a plan that was drafted some years ago. The highlight being the question of just how many houses would actually be built - this is still unknown -and begged the question of what exactly the councillors we being asked to vote on?

In Thursday's Rochdale MBC cabinet meeting, and in spite of a reasoned and articulate presentation against accepting the GMSF by Councillor Ashley Dearnley, and disregarding the uncertainty created by Stockport & Salford's decision to defer - the cabinet unanimously approved a vote on the GMSF at full council on 25th November.

Assuming approval - the next phase is the consultation process which will begin from 1st December, and will conclude at the end of January. During this process you will have your opportunity to question the soundness of the plan.
 
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we will close the petition Monday, so let’s get as many sugnateures as we can tomorrow - Sunday.

Thank you for all your support!