Despite opposition from your local Conservative Councillors, Salford’s Labour Council approved the final version of the Core Strategy on Wednesday 18th January, including the provision of 500 homes on the Burgess Farm site.
The document will now undergo a period of “further representations” before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination. The period for representations is likely to commence on Monday 13th February and end on Monday 2nd April. Any comments submitted by local residents will be sent to the independent examiner for consideration.
This week’s vote will not affect the progress of the public inquiry, which is due to report back in April. However, if the inspector at the public inquiry rules in favour of residents, Burgess Farm’s inclusion in a finalised Core Strategy would make it easier for a future application to succeed.
I am particularly disappointed with the actions of local Labour figures. With the exception of the Mayor, who traditionally only votes to break a tie, every Labour Councillor voted in favour of the document, including the Councillors representing Walkden North and Little Hulton wards. All Conservative Councillors voted to protect Burgess Farm.
Councillor Bernard Pennington, who represents Walkden North ward, has regularly told residents at public meetings and Community Committee that he is opposed to development on Burgess Farm. It was a real surprise, then, to see that not only did he vote for the development but actually seconded the motion! Councillor Pennington will have to explain to local people why he said one thing and then did the complete opposite. It just goes to show that you cannot trust Labour to stand up for Walkden.
It is extremely disappointing that local Labour figures have chosen to ignore the concerns of the community and vote for this highly damaging document. Labour have shown that they simply do not listen to local people in Walkden South. Your local Conservative team will continue to fight on behalf of residents opposed to development on Burgess Farm.
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