A motion from the Rochdale Conservatives that recognises and supports the views of thousands of Rochdale borough residents has been snubbed and rejected by the Labour group this week.
The motion, which called for the protection of greenbelt land in Rochdale and prioritisation of the development of brownfield sites in the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, had come from Bamford Ward Councillor, Jane Howard, who is concerned over proposals to build 750 luxury executive homes in the Greenbelt off Norden Road. Concerns echoed around other parts of the borough at similarly threatened sites.
Labour Group and Council Leader, Richard Farnell had already said it would be “Brownfield sites first” when he was challenged on the same issue by Councillor Peter Winkler from Norden Ward just weeks ago. However at this week’s full Council meeting Farnell was backtracking saying: “We cannot provide for the jobs we need in the future within the brownfield area.” He also stated that only 70 percent of the proposed new homes in Rochdale would be built on brownfield sites, with the remaining homes being allocated on green sites. He concluded by saying that this was a 20 year plan and that in 20 years’ time he would probably be dead and buried.
Labour Councillor, Linda Robinson who represents Hopwood Hall Ward, (an area that will face big losses of greenbelt/field land if current plans are approved) called shame on those people protesting saying: “We have built on the greenbelt before… shame on you”.
Speaking on her motion Councillor Howard said: “If the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework proposals are not a done deal, let’s debate this issue in front of the public and in front of the media. Let’s take the opportunity to discuss this very important and indeed controversial issue. It seems allocation has been carried out in an arbitrary fashion.”
“Residents have not been involved and they feel strongly that the current process of allocation is unfair and disproportionate. Local people should be in the driving seat of determining the future shape of their community. With the GMSF, they feel and need assurances that we are on their side.”
“I don’t accept we should lose our precious green spaces, the green lungs of Rochdale. People choose to live and work here purely for that very reason and by destroying the greenbelt the actual thing that makes Rochdale so attractive to potential residents would be lost.”
“When I say greenbelt, let me make it clear I’m talking about the assisted sites that are designated such within the borough. What about the thousands of empty homes we have across the borough? I strongly believe we need to send a clear signal to all our constituents that we are listening to their views and will do everything we can to protect our irreplaceable green belt.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Mike Holly from Norden Ward and was met with rapturous applause from members of various greenbelt protection campaigns who were watching from the public gallery.
Speaking in support of the public and the motion Councillor Pat Sullivan from Bamford Ward said: “Young people can’t afford to get houses, that’s what needs changing. I understand people want houses but there are plenty in Rochdale. Please don’t even think about building on the greenbelt.”
The Rochdale Conservative group have taken a strong stance on the protection of our greenbelt and it is a good job too, as the Liberal Democrats offer little resistance to the Labour group. Councillor Irene Davidson, Liberal Democrat member for Milnrow and Newhey, said: “We understand Councillor Farnell has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, he’s only one man out of ten. We have to trust our leader will take our point over to AGMA.”
Councillor Winkler reinforced the Conservative groups view on the GMSF proposals, saying: “The leader talks about phased developments over a 20 year period, and talks about not being here in 20 years’ time to see the results. I will be here, I hope, my children will be here too. They will need a job and somewhere to live. I hope my children can afford one of the houses with five-bedrooms, costing in excess of a quarter of million pounds that they’re proposing to build in Bamford, I really hope they can.”
“These houses are not being built for the people of Rochdale. They are not serving the needs of Rochdale people. We are being told what people need at the protests, on the street, and in emails. People don’t want fancy greenbelt homes; they want reasonable, affordable family homes. What they don’t need, Councillor Farnell, is a legacy of congestion, oversubscribed doctors, oversubscribed schools and infrastructure that can’t cope.”
“The GMSF is a misconceived plan; building on the greenbelt is not in the best interests of this borough and the people have spoken on that. We urge you to listen to the 20,000 people who have spoken on this.”
In conclusion Councillor Holly said: “Once that greenbelt has gone, it can’t be replaced. Greenbelt and brownfield sites should be looked at separately. This is driven by economics at the end of the day. Once the land is gone, it’s gone forever. The greenbelt is important for quality of life.”
If we learnt one thing from this week’s Council meeting it is that the Rochdale Labour Group cannot be trusted to protect our boroughs greenbelt, and the Rochdale Liberal Democrats are not going to put up a strong fight to oppose them. That’s why it is more important than ever for the Conservative Party to continue to be the strong opposition, standing up for our borough.
