City region’s bosses express planning concerns

GREATER Manchester’s public sector leaders have welcomed proposals to simplify the planning process, but have expressed concerned about the potential impact changes could have on its growth plans.

Responding to the government’s consultation exercise on the National National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Manchester City Council leader and GMCA vice-chair Cllr Richard Leese said that a simplified planning  process “has the potential to unlock growth – which is critically important in the current economic climate”.

“But in their current state, these plans seem to be about making it easier to develop land in London and the South East rather than creating a coherent and effective planning process for the entire country.

“We’re concerned that some of the proposals could have the unintended effect of actually hindering Greater Manchester’s ability to deliver sustainable economic growth.

“The NPPF should support the fact that cities need cohesive and straightforward planning processes that is integrated with housing, transport and economic development strategies.”

Cllr Derek Antrobus, chair of Greater Manchester’s planning and housing commission added: “It is also of serious concern that office development would not be subject to the same sequential test as retail and leisure.

“The proposal has a direct impact upon our ability to safeguard the future of the regional centre, the economic engine of the north, and our attempts to reverse the decline evident in our sub-regional town centres.

“As it stands, NPPF could lead us back to trunk road and motorway business parks – disastrous for both town and city centres, as well as pollution and health.”

He also argued that it was “inconceivable” that local authorities who had recently drawn up new planning policies should now have to review them in light of the NPPF.

“The NPPF and accompanying statements need to clarify that recently adopted core strategies and those advanced enough to be at publication/submission stage, will not be required to be reviewed immediately.

“We look forward to further discussions with Government on these issues before the NPPF is finalised in April 2012.”