(7 years, 6 months ago)
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If the hon. Gentleman waits with bated breath, he will have the answer, later in my speech.
As I say, I am not against development per se and I think that a cross-regional approach for strategic housing allocation across Greater Manchester is to be welcomed. Of course we need to provide new developments to fill the housing shortage, but it must be done in a way that is sensitive to both the local environment and the wishes of local communities. Also, it should be provided only where there is a genuine need and where the infrastructure exists to support such developments.
A vital part of the infrastructure that must be taken into account is public transport, such as railways. Should not any new housing developments be located on existing public transport routes?
My hon. Friend makes a very sensible point. If he, too, waits until later in my speech, I will refer to what he has just said in detail.