Government rejects council’s request to withdraw from PfE

Oldham’s request to withdraw from a ‘controversial’ Greater Manchester housing plan has been rejected by the government.

A letter published on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government website yesterday (April 8) said there was ‘no justification’ for the borough to leave Places for Everyone (PfE). 

Opposition councillors narrowly voted to request a withdrawal from PfE earlier this year.

The scheme aims to bring tens of thousands of new homes to nine Greater Manchester boroughs, including 11,500 homes to Oldham.

The housing framework sparked fears over a loss of greenbelt land, prompting 31 of 60 councillors to request to leave the scheme at an extraordinary council meeting on February 12. 

Because Oldham already voted to join PfE in 2024, their withdrawal from the agreement had to be approved by the Secretary of State for housing, Angela Rayner. 

Writing on behalf of the department, housing minister Matthey Pennycook said: “On the basis of the information you have provided, I have determined not to use the Secretary of State’s discretionary powers to approve your requested revocation of Oldham’s sections of PfE. … 

“PfE is an example of authorities doing the right thing – adopting a robust local plan only a year ago, which reflects strong cooperation between authorities across the plan area, including cross-boundary allocations such as the Stakehill site that Oldham shares with a neighbouring authority. 

“Taking all of the above into account, and given that your letter does not set out a case for revocation, I see no justification to approve your request.”

The minister noted the government is looking for ‘universal local plan coverage as quickly as possible’ , meaning local authorities across the UK are tasked with determining their local planning policies. 

PfE will see greenbelt land in Beal Valley, Bottom Field Farm, Broadbent Moss, south of Coal Pit Lane, and south of Rosary Road and other locations developed into residential and commercial areas.

Oldham council is currently developing an additional ‘complimentary’ local plan to set out the borough’s planning priorities beyond the Places for Everyone scheme, which could include a commitment to protecting green spaces.