(7 years, 11 months ago)
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I have picked up on that concern and doubtless other right hon. and hon. Members will have heard similar concerns, so I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention.
I want to make it clear from the outset that I am not against building and development per se, nor am I against the concept of the framework itself; on the contrary.
The hon. Member is supportive of house-building. How many houses does he think should be built in his constituency?
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.