MP Jim McMahon MP has published his response to the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework plans, drawn up to develop land across the borough for residential use and employment space starting in 2037.

Oldham West and Royton MP Mr McMahon has raised concerns to the inclusion of additional housing in Oldham borough despite the opposition voiced by himself and local leaders and residents in the original 2016 plan.

The new plan would see the development of entirely new sites such as Thornham Old Road in Royton and the sites in Medlock Vale have been met with increasing opposition from local people.

The opposition was on full view during a march to the Tandle Hills monument from community groups across the region.

Up to 4,000 people recently attended the march to save their local green belt and Mr McMahon also attended to hear first-hand the views of residents.

The consultation period of the plans was open until March 18 and Jim McMahon MP has submitted his objections to the plans, building on his detailed submission in the 2016 round.

Mr McMahon said: “As the plan prepares the foundation for development to 2037 it is vital it is done right, and that it meets the ambition for residents in Greater Manchester.

“The concerns I raised in the 2016 consultation remain and know that the objections raised by local residents have not changed regardless of the reduction in homes proposed and it is a big issue that there is still no little confidence with the housing projections with the government adding more and more confusion with every statement they make.”

The news of the local MP’s support will be welcomed by local people as they continue to fight for their protected land, for example with the huge opposition to the newly added site on Thornham Old Road.

On the new site, Mr McMahon said: “Like local residents I was surprised and disappointed to see the inclusion of this site.

“Tandle Hill Country Park is an essential and well used amenity with important historical significance. Any development which detracts from this cannot be supported and it has attracted a great deal of opposition locally for this reason. “

Mr McMahon continued in his response to highlight the importance of protecting our green belt and continuing to identify and build on existing brown field sites while also investing in our infrastructure to offset the impact of increased traffic and demand on local services.

In response to the development proposed at Rosary Road and near Bardsley Vale Avenue, he said: “I cannot see how the revised plans have given sufficient consideration to the local concerns regarding the impact of additional traffic on existing residents.”

The plans are not popular locally and many residents are calling for amendments and change in the areas planned for development, he said.