The battle for green belt land goes to High Court

CAMPAIGNERS SAY THE LOSS OF SPACE IS 'NOT NECESSARY'

- By CHRIS GEE

A LEGAL challenge claiming the loss of green belt land in Greater Manchester's housing masterplan is 'not necessary' is to be heard this week.

The claim is being brought by campaign group, Save Greater Manchester's Green Belt (SGMGB), against the housing secretary and local authorities across Greater Manchester and opposes the adoption of the Places for Everyone (PfE) plan.

SGMGB says that the net loss of green belt land as a result of PfE is not necessary to grow the region and that Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) should be prioritising brownfield land for development instead.

The PfE plan, originally called the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, puts forward long-term plans for the development of housing and industry in nine of the Greater Manchester boroughs, excluding Stockport, who withdrew in 2020.

The plan sets out what land within the nine boroughs should be earmarked for development until 2039, and identifies which areas will be developed for housing, offices, industry and warehouses.