Public Events
Revised GMSF – Slattocks Community Meeting 2nd Feb 2019
Summary presentation form the meeting at Thornham Cricket Club
We’re not going away Andy!
The local community came together at Thornham Cricket Club on Saturday 2nd February 2019 to hear about the revised Greater Manchester Spatial Framework [GMSF] and air their views about it.
[Video to follow]
Swamped!
Yes the 850 or so properties in the Slattocks/Stakehill/Chesham Area are set to be engulfed by 900 new homes and a further 250,000 sq metres of industrial units.
With roads already clogged at peak times and motorway closures causing overnight noise and pollution, this extra development is likely to cause havoc.
Planners say they’ve thought about it and know their solutions will work. We don’t think they really have.
Whilst the move to non-polluting electric vehicles is said to inevitable that doesn’t lessen number of vehicles on the roads.
Yes, a number of people can and will walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
But, some people rely on their cars, other use taxis as a matter of course.
“Public transport needs to be much more convenient and much, much cheaper than it is and I can’t that happening very soon” said Ian, a local resident.
Ian added “After an evening shift, they’re thinking I’ll walk or cycle back up from Middleton. I’m cream-crackered. There’s no public transport at that time, I need my car.”
“Yes, I love my exercise but how long would take me on the bus? I can’t walk over the lanes to a ‘Latics game – and walk back to Slattocks? That goes beyond dedication” said John, a season ticket holder.
Neighbourhood Forum Meeting – A Success
Local residents, businesses and stakeholders joined together at Smalley Hall on Thornham Lane to learn about the process of setting up a Neighbourhood Forum and Planning Area.
The three invited presenters were able to bring a wealth of knowledge to the event.
The first of these was Dr Quintin Bradley, Senior Lecturer in Housing & Planning at Leeds Beckett University, who gave a very in-depth presentation on the subject. He said that there are now around 2200 Forums across England producing Neighbourhood Plans. Dr Bradley stressed that whilst the process can be daunting, it is definitely worth doing as it gives local residents, through their Forum and Plan, legal standing. This then means that the local Council must consult the Forum on planning applications in their Plan Area. He added that if you don’t do it, you leave the area open to uncontrolled and potentially inappropriate development.
Next up was Alan Rawsterne from the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum. Alan was able to draw on his experience of setting up a Forum having started the process in October 2015 and their journey so far. Alan said that the community is using the process to help maintain & enhance the local environment so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy it well into the future.
Third we heard from Sohida Banu, Planning Officer with Rochdale Council. Sohida gave details of both the Council’s responsibilities and those of local residents, in setting up a Forum and Planning Area all the way to completing the process. She said that the Council was there to help the community and that Government funding is available to Forums so that they can engage professional help.
Feedback from the audience was very positive, many saying they found all the presentations very informative and giving them greater insight into the subject.
Event organisers and local residents Gordon Tilstone and Ian Briggs expressed their thanks to the presenters and said they were very pleased with the turn out.
“With continued support and input from the community, we can take the process of producing a Neighbourhood Plan forward and thus help protect and enhance the area for the benefit of all” said Gordon.
Ian Briggs added “Having a Neighbourhood Plan will mean we have legal rights, can influence what happens and make sure it is what people in the area actually want. We’re in favour of development but it has to be right for the community.”
One of the next steps will be to distribute a questionnaire across the Plan Area to further engage the local community in the process and make sure everyone’s view is taken into account.
For more information contact: greenbelt@slattocks.com
QuizNight 3 @ The Hopwood
Another chance to – pick your wits -bite your nails – pull your hair out – enjoy yourselves – prove you’ve got it –
And – win prizes –
Come along to the Neighbourhood Forum Meeting
Click the link: NF-NP meeting 25-11-17
Neighbourhood Forum & Plan
The Government’s Localism Act 2011 introduced major reforms to the planning system that gives local communities new rights to shape and plan their neighbourhood.
Using this legislation we can develop our own Neighbourhood Plan and:
- choose where new homes, shops and offices should be built;
- have a say on what those new buildings should look like, influence the design and functionality of open spaces; and
- grant planning permission for new developments the community wants to see go ahead.
With this in mind, SOS-Save Our Slattocks welcomes local residents who are interested to join a steering group.
To find out more, come along to Thornham Cricket Club – 7pm – Wednesday 13th September 2017
Greenbelt Groove Festival 2017 – Total Success
Ticket sales had been slow in the weeks prior to the Festival, but everything came good with ticket sales on the door.
With twelve local music acts showcasing a variety of genres, plus DJ Baggsy and MC Dave Sweetmore, all giving their services free, the crowd was fully entertained and engaged with the greenbelt campaign.
Kicking off at 1pm with The Smashing Lads, followed by Max Moore; The Hurt; Daz Mac & The Nutcase; Ashley O’Toole; Neve Pollitt; The Recreation; Son Primo; Beggars Belief; Twin Gates; and The Scuttlers, the stage was a constant frenzy of activity.
Whilst many came to see top of the bill The Scuttlers finish a great day’s outdoor entertainment, all the acts got the crowd’s appreciation for both their music and for supporting SOS-Save Our Slattocks.
“A fantastic day, raising awareness of the save the greenbelt campaign and showcasing local talent, what more could you want?” said co-organiser Gordon Tilstone, chair of SOS-Save Our Slattocks. “It just shows that people really do care about the local environment” he added.
“It was great to see the local community coming together and having a great time. People are already anticipating next year’s Festival and we’re already looking at making the experience even better” said co-organiser AJ Williams, who also plays bass guitar with Son Primo.
Stakehill resident Ian Briggs and Middleton’s Kallum Nolan were also pivotal in bringing together local acts; sound system and the day itself.
“All the Team worked hard to make the Festival a success and our thanks go to everyone, but particularly the volunteer stewards and Jimmy the landlord and his staff, who made the day go without a hitch. My personal thanks to you all” said Gordon Tilstone.
Sunday Funday
Meet your Local Candidates
