Burnham launches plan to make Greater Manchester an ‘ambitious hub’

Greater Manchester’s leaders are today announcing ‘radical plans’ to deliver more affordable housing and better transport across the region.Mayor Andy Burnham will today launch a rewritten version of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) designed to showcase the region as ‘a confident, ambitious hub’.The new plan, which the mayor will launch alongside deputy mayors Sir Richard Leese and Bev Hughes, sets a minimum target of 50,000 additional affordable homes – 30,000 of which will be social housing.It also emphasises the importance of redeveloping brownfield sites rather than green belt land, and reiterates Greater Manchester’s opposition to ‘fracking’.In a UK first, mayoral powers will also be used to regenerate a major town centre. Mayor Burnham will consult with Stockport Council to use a Mayoral Development Corporation to redevelop the town centre.Greater Manchester’s leaders, including local council chiefs, will also be outlining plans for 65 transport projects that will be completed within the next five years, while stressing their commitment to improving the air quality across the region.