Milnrow & Newhey May 2018

Councillor
Neil Butterworth
Threats to our greenbelt
make me green with anger!
One of the biggest issues facing Milnrow and Newhey is the threat to our precious greenbelt.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m all in favour of building new homes to meet the chronic housing
shortage and to tackle homelessness. But any development needs to pass my three tests.
1. Will it be the right type? (we need more affordable housing).
2. Is it in the right place? (will it lead to urban sprawl and what will be the impact on
neighbouring homes?)
3. Is it sustainable? (will it cause more traffic congestion and will local schools, doctors and
public services be able to cope?)
The monster industrial and housing development proposed by Oldham Council to be built on
greenbelt surrounding Newhey fails all three tests. That’s why I am 100% against it and backing
local residents all the way in opposing the plans.
But I’m not just complaining about the plans, I’m doing something about it. As your Labour
councillor, I am in a unique position to influence the key decision makers. I have pressed
Rochdale’s planners to object in the strongest terms to Oldham Council. I have pressed our
Labour MP Tony Lloyd to throw his weight behind the objections. Most importantly, I have lobbied
Greater Manchester’s new Labour Mayor Andy Burnham to throw out the plans when he rewrites
the region’s Spatial Strategy.
However, the greatest threat to our greenbelt is from central government, not Greater Manchester.
The government have all but ripped up the planning rulebook – giving a green light to developers
to build on the greenbelt. Councils have been left trying to sort out the turmoil.
Now, I’m all in favour of progress. Our villages have grown steadily over the years. But we had the
school places, doctors and transport infrastructure to cope. More recently, I welcome the tram
service. I welcome the new housing built on derelict former mill sites. I welcome the new people.
But we need the health, leisure and transport facilities to match the growth.
My kids were never out of Soccer Village – but that’s now under threat, to be developed for
housing by Redrow homes. It’s not the homes I object to, it’s the lack of leisure facilities and road
systems to support these residents. What is left for our kids to do?
There is a direct link between anti-social behaviour and a lack of sports and recreational facilities
for the young.
My motto is simple. Keep the builders off our greenbelt. Brownfield first!
Finally, it’s the local elections on May 3rd. Whoever you vote for, please turn out and use your vote.
Your views matter. And whatever the result, it has been a great privilege and honour to serve the
people of Milnrow and Newhey for the past four years. Thank you.
Councillor Neil Butterworth
Lets off steam!
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