Conservatives in Oldham & Saddleworth are warning that the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) still poses a grave threat to greenbelt across the Borough.

This warning comes as Metro-Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham publishes the final draft of his GMSF, with the support of Oldham Council Leader Sean Fielding, but local Conservatives say the plans are still ‘unpalatable’.

Deputy Leader of Conservatives in the Borough, Councillor Graham Sheldon, has said: “This is the final draft, but it is far from over. The size of the developments have been reduced, however, these proposed smaller developments will inevitably lead to much bigger versions. These proposals are unpalatable and we cannot support the destruction of our greenbelt.”

Saddleworth Parish Councillor Max Woodvine added: “Building should always be on brownfield first but, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we have neither the infrastructure nor services to cope; especially in Saddleworth which is chronically under served by Oldham. Over development around Fletcher’s Mill will ruin a beautiful aspect of Greenfield village - the Chew Valley. Labour are bluntly bulldozing beauty!”