Member Article

Shoosmiths hosts a panel discussion examining Greater Manchester's Places for Everyone spatial strategy following its formal adoption, focusing on the transition from the strategy phase to implementation and delivery.

Places for Everyone was formally adopted on 21 March 2024 after a decade in the making.

This long-term spatial strategy covers nine Greater Manchester districts - Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan - and focuses on creating new jobs, homes, and sustainable growth across the region.

The strategy sets out how the nine boroughs should develop up until 2039, identifying key areas for growth. A 'Core Growth Area' has the potential for almost 69,000 new homes, with 175,000 homes and millions of sq ft of employment space also outlined in the plan and set to be delivered in the region over the full plan period (2022-2039).

Beyond housing, the plan identifies sites for commercial and industrial development, supporting the region’s economic growth. Core principles include maximising the use of brownfield land, providing a diverse mix of housing, and ensuring appropriate development density, all aimed at delivering inclusive, sustainable growth across Greater Manchester.

The strategy is ambitious and has faced hurdles, including a recent legal challenge concerning the proposed release of green belt land. Despite these stumbling blocks, the strategy is now part of the statutory development plan for each of the nine authorities.

So, with the delivery period already underway, there’s no time to lose.

The transition from plan to progress was the main theme of a panel discussion held by Shoosmiths at its Manchester office on 12 June 2024. Chaired by Kathryn Jump, partner and co-head of Shoosmiths’ living sector, the panel focused on how the private and public sectors can collaborate to deliver multi-tenure housing, infrastructure, and inclusive growth.

Experts shared their views on the challenges and opportunities of moving from the strategy phase to implementation, including navigating the planning system, fostering partnerships, and viably delivering the regeneration and new development outlined in Places for Everyone.

(*Recorded 12 June 2024)

Taking part in the discussion:

• Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester
• Richard Knight, director of planning and strategy at Peel Land
• Caroline Wright, strategic planning and growth manager at Trafford Council
• Ellie Philcox, director at Euan Kellie
• Rob Haslam, regional head of planning at Harworth Group
• Chair: Kathryn Jump, partner and co-head of Shoosmiths’ living sector

All information correct at the time of filming.

 

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