Greater Manchester's council leaders have slammed the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as too focused on the needs of London and the South East, rather than offering an effective national planning system.
In its response to the DCLG's consultation on the NPPF, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) expressed concerns that ‘some of the proposals for simplifying planning could have the unintended effect of actually hindering Greater Manchester's ability to deliver sustainable growth.' Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council and GMCA vice chair, said: ‘The NPPF should support the fact that cities need cohesive and straightforward planning processes which are integrated with housing, transport and economic development strategies.'
