Conservative Councillors from Bamford have helped to re-establish the Bamford Greenbelt Action Group in response to a public outcry over plans to build 750 large executive homes in the green belt off Norden Road. They have been joined by Councillors from Norden, where the impact of the development could also be felt if it goes ahead.
The plans are part of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework draft proposal which was recently released for public consultation. The controversial document seeks to set out development plans for the next 20 years.
While some brown field sites have been identified within the proposals around 30% of the sites put forward across the borough are proposed in green field and green belt areas.
Residents have responded with anger and concern at the plans, saying that the area is just not capable of supporting this level of development and that the infrastructure could not cope with the increase in traffic. Demand on schools, doctors and other services has also been call into question.
A public meeting held at Bamford Chapel, chaired by Councillor Pat Sullivan, saw hundreds of local people turn out to express their concerns and hear what the proposal meant to them. Conservative Councillors from Bamford and Norden attended to speak to residents and offer their support.
People at the meeting were urged to comment as part of the consultation process and those interested in taking a more active role in the campaign were invited to express their interest in being part on a reformed Greenbelt Action Group.
