To consider a report from the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, Councillor Patel, submitted a report seeking the approval of Council to formally adopt The Places for Everyone Plan. The Executive Member spoke positively of the plan which had been submitted and marked it as a new era of regional collaboration. The Executive Member highlighted the sustainable housing growth, community infrastructure, and robust regional framework of environmental protections which came from the plan. Finally, Councillor Patel thanked officers from Trafford Council, colleagues at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and across Greater Manchester more widely.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ross seconded the plan and highlighted the importance in adopting the plan. Councillor Ross mentioned the need for housing in the Borough and outlined how the adoption of Places for Everyone was to support this. The Leader of the Council finished by joining Councillor Patel in thanking all officers for their support in the formulation of Places for Everyone. 

Councillors Paul, Lepori and Coggins responded to the plan on behalf of the opposition parties.

Councillor Paul raised issue and concern around; resident opposition to the plan; areas such as Timperley Wedge and New Carrington being poorly served by public transport, road infrastructure and school places; Stockport Council taking a different approach; and Carrington being used despite being on peat moss. Councillor Paul concluded by expressing on behalf of her group, their profound objections, and disagreements with the Council’s plan.

Councillor Lepori underlined the Liberal Democrats long time opposition to the plans to build on Timperley Wedge and Carrington Moss. Councillor Lepori proceeded to highlight his groups issue with the plan, including; the plan stretching services in Timperley further; lack of consideration to where water will go once building on the land began; little faith in the Government to guarantee the funding for the necessary infrastructure in the area; lack of infrastructure included for buses and cycles; the lack of leisure allocation included within the plan; and raised doubt over the affordability rates of the new housing set to be built. Councillor Lepori concluded by reemphasising the Liberal Democrats objection to the plan.

Councillor Coggins began by thanking those officers and Councillors in Trafford and across Greater Manchester for the work done over the years. Councillor Coggins also accepted that working together as a group of Councils across Greater Manchester was the best way to preserve and protect green spaces, and mentioned some of the elements of the plan they felt were positive. However, Councillor Coggins emphasised how the Green group could not support a plan which doubled airport use or intended to build a road over Carrington Moss. Furthermore, Councillor Coggins felt the plan prioritised economic growth, coming at the expense of the green belt, biodiversity, and the stability of the climate. Councillor Coggins finished by restating the Green group’s intention to vote against the plan. 

Councillor Patel responded to the Members and expressed her disappointment in each group for not supporting the plan.

Prior to the putting the Motion to the vote, Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62