Greater Manchester adds its voice to the planning debate

Local authority leaders from across Greater Manchester have had their say on proposals to simplify the planning process.

Responding to the government's consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Greater Manchester Combined Authority welcomed the idea that the process should be simplified, but expressed a number of concerns on the way the current proposals could hinder growth in Greater Manchester.

Councillor Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council and vice chair of the GMCA, said: "We welcome and strongly support the attempt to simplify and streamline the planning system to remove unnecessary obstacles to investment and growth.

"Indeed we believe that a simplified planning process has the potential to unlock growth - which is critically important in the current economic climate. We also welcome the focus on achieving sustainable development, particularly boosting housing supply, and devolving decision making to the appropriate level.

"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."

Councillor 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.

"The emphasis on 'up to date' development plans has the potential to undermine strategic objectives and removes autonomy for both local authorities and local communities.

"It is inconceivable that all recently prepared and emerging plans will now need to be reviewed as they will not be ‘in compliance with 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."