I AM writing with the aim to raise awareness of the strategy for New Carrington as I am concerned that there has been a lack of media coverage.
The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework states that the "New Carrington site will deliver a minimum of 6,100 homes in the plan period and up to 10,000 new homes in total" and is "the only opportunity in Greater Manchester to deliver a new settlement of significant size".
Had it not been for information from the Friends of Carrington Moss, who are trying to save this wonderful green space, I would have remained totally in the dark.
I am sure that many people are still unaware of these concerning plans and crucially the deadline for registering our objections is March 14.
Information on Friends of Carrington Moss Facebook page includes the latest figures of homes currently in the adjoining Bucklow St Martin ward, suggesting there are around 4,423 homes, meaning a build of 6,000 to 10,000 new homes would be a 226 per cent increase in households and would totally change the character of the community.
Additionally Carrington, Partington, Sale West and Warburton would no longer retain their distinct identities, but would become one huge conurbation.
Such a significant increase in population would have a considerable impact on the area, including access to services, schools and the public transport.
According to GMSF documents there are no commitments to improve the public transport or mention of trams or park and ride in relation to the New Carrington development.
The only commitment is a plan for a new road for which there has been no consultation.
How can any future consultation be considered genuine when such a commitment has already been made?
It appears that this road would significantly impact the residents of Sale West, St Mary's and Bucklow St Martin's wards, bringing substantial increases in local traffic, including from outside the borough, together with the associated noise and pollution, which in turn would contribute to health problems due to reduced air quality from exhaust emissions, in an area already wedged between the M60 and A56.
Whilst I do not oppose building on brownfield sites, Carrington Moss is a valuable peatland (peat is known to "lock in" carbon, which is vital for our environment) and these valuable peatlands have been lost at an alarming rate.
It would be a crime against the environment to lose it, especially as Manchester aims to become "carbon neutral".
Carrington Moss also provides the habitat for a number of red listed — ie globally threatened — bird species and endangered wildlife.
The destruction of this habitat in return for a sliver of 'manufactured' green space in the middle of a huge conurbation, will not bring improvements to the environment and quality of life for existing residents (a stated aim of The Strategy).
Much of the remaining green space is used by sporting organisations and will not be accessible to the general public.
Carrington Moss is an open rural landscape which its users, be they local or from farther afield, are able to enjoy in the pursuit of walking, cycling, horse riding, nature/bird watching, taking a shortcut to work or simply 'getting in touch with nature' and enjoying the outdoors.
It can benefit health and wellbeing — more so than passing through a large housing estate!
Additionally, Carrington Moss provides employment for farmers and equestrian establishments. According to the documentation, net loss of green belt since the 2016 iteration of the GMSF, has been reduced by more than 50 peer cent.
Trafford (other than the city areas of Manchester and Salford), has the lowest proportion of green belt in the whole of the Greater Manchester region, yet it seems that the New Carrington and Timperley Wedge schemes have only seen a net loss of green belt reduction of just over 20 per cent.
Therefore, the more than 240 hectares of green belt which would be released to accommodate the New Carrington development alone, would have a marked impact in Trafford because our starting position is so much lower than the rest of the region.
In addition, the stated GMSF strategy is to invest and grow in the north of the city region.
Then why is the New Carrington development being described as the "only opportunity in Greater Manchester to deliver a new settlement of significant size"!
I am concerned therefore that we would experience a hugely negative impact from this disproportionate development, with absolutely no benefits.
While I do not object to the development of the former Shell brownfield site, I have registered my objections in response to the GMSF consultation, which I repeat has a deadline of March 14.
I do hope this letter will serve to make others aware and enable them to register their views.
Name and address supplied
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