A blueprint for the development of all but one borough of Greater Manchester over the next 15 years is almost a reality after the end of an examination.

Inspectors appointed by the secretary of state for Levelling Up examined Places for Everyone over the course of multiple months last year and this year.

In Trafford, the blueprint includes the creation of thousands of homes and 36.5 hectares of land for commercial use across two sites – New Carrington and Timperley Wedge. This involves the removal of around 265 hectares from the green belt.

It involves the addition of around 2.5 hectares of land to the green belt at Midlands Farm, close to the junction of Moss Lane and Sinderland Lane.

It is almost a reality after the end of an examination which led to a number of changes, all of which are to go to consultations by the councils involved.

This is all but one borough after the withdrawal of Stockport Council from what was then called the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework in 2020.

READ MORE: Keir Starmer reassures residents over future of Green Belt.

Paul Dennett, the mayor of Salford and lead for Places for Everyone on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: "I am pleased after the process of public examination the inspectors supported the ambitions in Places for Everyone. 

"I would like to thank the inspectors and everyone involved in this process and the consultations since Greater Manchester embarked upon this ambitious and important work."

Mr Dennett added: "Ultimately, having a city-regional plan will be a critical tool in supporting Greater Manchester's case for devolution from central government, whilst also providing us with a blueprint, along with districts' Local Plans, to advocate for Greater Manchester with central government, the development and investment communities and within the global economy.

"We now move into the next phase of approval and a public consultation on the plan, and I hope by next year we can move towards adoption of the plan and turn our vision into a reality."

The details of the consultations are to be announced as soon as possible. For information go to greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning-and-housing/places-for-everyone/.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.