The authorities that have signed up to the regional spatial strategy have now confirmed its acceptability, meaning that it is now part of the development plan for those councils. Those who have agreed to adopt Places for Everyone include Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, Wigan, and Trafford.

Jeremy Hinds, planning director at Savills, comments: “This is an important milestone in the continued evolution of modern Manchester, not just from a planning perspective, but also when considering objectives to bring forward strategic level decision making in a combined and coordinated way.

“It is an important demonstration of how local authorities can come together to devise a spatial strategy that sets out their common interests to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. It is a huge moment for the delivery of growth across Greater Manchester, which provides certainty and clarity to communities and investors at all levels, and paints the picture of how the area will develop over the next 15 years.

“The April strategy reflects the ambitions of all nine of the participating authorities, and importantly, those of the Mayor also. It is very much a plan for Greater Manchester, by Greater Manchester.”

“The tenth authority is Stockport where the council is engaged with the other authorities involved, but is focused on its own town centre and wider regeneration and transformation which is currently underway”, adds Matt Sobic, planning director at Savills. “Stockport Borough Council is very much part of the Greater Manchester ambition, demonstrated not least by having the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside of London that is continuing at a pace with the developments at Stockport Exchange, the Interchange, Weir Mill, the Stockport 8 sites and the new, affordable housing development by Great Places at Chestergate.

“Savills planning team considers that the adoption of Places for Everyone is not just a milestone for the area, but a testimony to the achievements and co-operation of like-minded authorities. It is key to delivering the infrastructure and investment that will see Manchester city centre and the towns within the region grow and prosper as modern Manchester continues its journey to becoming a major, global centre of commerce, culture and creativity.”