THE redrawn Greater Manchester Spatial Framework has been a long time in the pipeline.

Two years ago, there were protests when it was revealed that more than 200,000 homes would have to be build across the region and all 10 councils would have to controversially release green belt land to meet these targets.

Campaigners are adamant that no development should take place on green belt land, insisting that there are enough brownfield sites to absorb the allocations.

Developers are pushing for green field sites to build on because it makes the construction process easier, quicker and less expensive.

When the first draft was put on hold by Mayor Andy Burnham, it was hoped a middle ground could be reached.

And Bury Council hopes this is it.

The borough’s allocation of housing is now 9,500, down from more than 12,000 in the original framework.

While it has cut its proposed green belt development by more than 40 per cent, it is planning on releasing 12 per cent for development.

Plans for the huge Northern Gateway industrial and employment area which is expected to create 25,000 jobs.

The council also wants to add 78 extra hectares to the green belt.

But there is still opposition to plans to build 3,500 homes on green belt farmland close to Elton Reservoir, which will also include extending the Metrolink and creating a tram stop.

It is a difficult juggling act for each of the councils involves, as well as the combined authority as a whole.

Almost 30,000 formal replies were received following the original draft and considerable changes have been made.

But it is understandable that people remain unhappy about aspects of it, especially those that affect them directly.

This is why it is vital people have their say on the latest proposals.