Hundreds back petitionagainst 'unfair' housing

FIGHT to save the green space in Shaw

A PETITION to save green land in Shaw has gained more than 850 signatures and campaigners are encouraging people to continue to have their say on planning proposals.

Campaign group Keep Cowlishaw Green are encouraging residents to have their voices heard after the area was named as a potential housing development site in the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework draft plans.

The group, which was originally established in July last year to protest about an outline application to build 125 houses on Cowlishaw protected land, has urged residents to have their say on the proposals before the consultation period ends on January 16.

'Shocked'
A spokesman for Keep Cowlishaw Green said: "In October we became aware of the housing proposals and were shocked to hear the whole of Cowlishaw had been targeted again, this time for a development of 640 dwellings.

"It seems that they are not just content with grabbing green belt from the North West of the borough as they have also earmarked three areas of protected land in Shaw, Crompton and Royton all within a 2km radius.

"The allocations which have been selected are disproportionate and unfair.

"Shaw, Crompton and Royton will be devoid of recreational green spaces ­- how can this be justified all in the same vicinity? This wanton destruction of Cowlishaw is intolerable and will have devastating environmental, social and economic impacts."

They added that residents have concerns about how roads, schools and health services will cope with additional homes in the area and urged planners to take on board the comments obtained throughout the consultation period.

The spokesman continued: "It seems our battle to save this functional, well-used green space is never ending.

"We would like to thank the 868 residents who have supported us by signing our petition keepcowlishawgreen.co.uk."

Other areas also suggested as sites for development include; Broadbent Moss ­- 1,000 new homes and employment floorspace; Beal Valley ­- 900 new homes; Hanging Chadder ­- 600 new homes, and Greenfield ­- 100 holiday lodges and 120 new homes.

Other plans include building on land east and west of the A627(M) and on an area south of Junction 21 (M62), between Newhey, the A663, High Crompton and Burnedge.

The consultation is open at greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/info/20018/greater_manchester_spatial_framework until 11.59pm on January 16. You can also have your say by tweeting @GMSpatialframe or emailing GMSF@agma.gov.uk.

Letters can also be sent to Greater Manchester Integrated Support Team, PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester M60 2LA.