RSSCouncillor Derek Antrobus blogs...
Published: 2009-11-27 08:33:11
I can understand people opposing development near to them and as part of the Council's consultation exercise on the allocation of 1.2% of Salford's greenbelt for employment uses those people will be able to put their arguments forward. (Sourced from here.)
What I fail to understand is the irrational fantasy being conjured up which transforms Salford Council's promise not to reduce the overall greenbelt into a threat to "suffocate" our citizens.
It is even more irrational when the self-same people tell us to build at Little Hulton instead - in other words, do not take a little bit from the area richest in greenbelt to give to one of the most deprived areas in Salford!
Far from allowing "suffocating" development, Salford is a champion of greenspace.
- When we consulted on the options for our core strategy, powerful voices put forward an option which would cut the greenbelt by 75 hectares. Labour councillors have resisted that and are proposing an option which involves no overall loss of greenbelt
- Our planning proposals increase the protection for Chat Moss and encourages the enhancement of biodiversity through the restoration of rare bogland habitat
- Irwell River Park is the probably the biggest 'greenspace' initiative in the region with plans to restore a green lung to the heart of the conurbation