Oldham Liberal Democrats slam green belt building plans as final ‘Places for Everyone’ consultation closes
Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has once more hit out at plans to build on green belt sites in Oldham. The Greater Manchester housing masterplan – overseen by Mayor Andy Burnham and known as ‘Places for Everyone’ – has sparked years of controversy for its heavy use of green belt land.
The proposals for ‘Places for Everyone’ went out for a final public consultation which closed on Wednesday December 6th.
In his official response to the consultation councillor Sykes said, “Our green spaces are precious. Once they are gone, they are gone for good. The Liberal Democrats remain unconvinced that ‘Places for Everyone’ will serve the interests of Oldham. It will deliver the wrong homes, in the wrong places, for the wrong reasons.”
In an Oldham Council meeting in November, councillor Sykes challenged the boroughs Labour Leader over ‘Places for Everyone’, stating, “Virtually every commitment on infrastructure development and community-building has been watered down or abandoned.”
“Labour is asking the people of Oldham to surrender our green spaces in return for… No new investment in roads. No proportionate contribution to new health care services. No new school places.”
The Leader of Oldham Council admitted she did have some misgivings about ‘Places for Everyone’ but said her Labour Group remained committed to the plan.
Councillor Sykes said, “With the public consultation now closed, we wait for the final plans to be brought before the council. So far, the only Greater Manchester council to free itself from ‘Places for Everyone’ and protect its’ local green belt has been Liberal Democrat controlled Stockport Council.”
“We want to see Oldham follow that example and withdraw from this unwanted scheme.”
Copy of Liberal Democrat submission to the consultation.