Hundreds of people packed into the Sports Hall at Irlam and Cadishead College tonight for a Special Irlam and Cadishead Community Committee for Information on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.
The meeting began with Salford City Council's Lead Member for Planning, Councillor Derek Antrobus, explaining that "We've done all we can to secure housing on brownfield sites and there's still not enough room". He added that the Council had reduced the amount of green belt land proposed for development but that the decision to put forward the Irlam green belt site for 1,600 houses had been shaped by its proximity to the railway station.
Chris Findley, the Council's Assistant Director for Planning and Housing and architect of the GM Spatial Framework, echoed the sentiments, arguing that "We're trying to make the best use of the transport infrastructure".
None of which impressed the community, as residents took turns to stand up and basically slate the proposals. One resident estimated that there would be 13 cars every minute going past his house, joined by others explaining that on one side of Irlam would be Port Salford traffic, on the other construction traffic and later new resident traffic that would "leave us like a Christmas cracker, tied at both ends...and it's going to burst."
Even Chris Findley recognised that transport was the 'big issue'..."There's one way in and one way out" of Irlam he conceded "The capacity issues are challenging".
Another resident argued that there were no guarantees that any of the road, rail and bus infrastructure timeline that local councillor Roger Jones had listed earlier would happen... "It's pie in the sky...and we're going to be stuck in the middle of the mess".
It was also pointed out that, under the proposals, 83% of Salford's green space allocation for development would be in Irlam and Cadishead..."Chat Moss is unique, we've got to save the Moss" said one resident to applause, while another explained that Grade 1 agricultural land would be destroyed, and, with Brexit coming, such valuable land would be needed.
He totally laid into the plans, giving a slice of his own 'birds and bees' upbringing on the Moss, scoffing at plans to build on the green belt and provide some new green space..."You're going to give us some allotments?" he scorned "Behave yourself! It's about time we stood up as a community and said 'No'. If we don't, future generations will never forgive us..."
Councillor Antrobus argued that the Council's "fundamental duty is to make sure there are enough houses for future generations", to which he was challenged over whether the sons and daughters of local people would actually be able to afford one. Only 150 of the 1,600 houses would be designated for social rent, from the 25% 'affordable' houses promised.*
Others brought up issues of pollution - "leave us alone!" -, health services and, more practically, the elephant in the room which is basically that the land being proposed for development is on peat which is inherently unstable.
Chris Findley himself explained that more 'intrusive testing' needs to be carried out to see if it's actually viable to build on the land, while Councillor Antrobus added that, after testing, it might mean that the amount of houses proposed would need to be reduced.
A resident asked why testing was not done before the proposals were made public... "It's part of the process" Chris Findley responded "We need to do things in sequence..."..."Well you've got the wrong sequence" came the reply.
Finally, the wildlife on the Moss was discussed, with Chris Findley reassuring the community that "Wildlife is hugely important", while waxing lyrical about his favourite bird, a barn owl, that he'd seen on a late night drive in the area.
...A local wildlife expert then embarrassed him, pointing out that the other strip of green belt being taken for the expansion of Port Salford warehousing was where the barn owls live... "We'll lose all the wildlife" he said "Don't build on it!"
The meeting ended with Councillor Antrobus saying "Don't underestimate our passion to protect the Moss"...To which a resident shouted "And don't underestimate our passion to oppose building on the Moss!"
Not one single member of the community who attended tonight's meeting spoke in favour of the GM Spatial Framework proposals...
The meeting was the first community consultation on the GM Spatial Framework. The official consultation period began today and continues until 18th March.
To read the full GM Spatial Framework and to comment on it – click here
* For a full background see previous Salford Star article on the GM Spatial Framework – click here and the Salford Local Plan – click here
The GM Spatial Framework looks set to be a hot political potato at this year's local election, with the Labour Party candidate, Lewis Nelson, speaking out against the proposals, and the CORE Party candidate, David Pike, also opposing them.
Indeed, CORE has organised a #SaveOurGreenBelt chat and community walk on the Moss for Sunday 3rd February at 10am (meet Astley Rd/Zinnia Drive), followed by a Q&A at Higher Irlam Social Club at noon.
Main photo shows Chris Findley
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
