An MP and a senior Bolton Councillor have been involved in a twitter spat about the controversial Greater Manchester Spatial Framework - just hours before public consultation closes.
Residents have only until 11.59pm tonight to have their say on a huge plan for developing houses and industrial sites across the borough over the next twenty years.
Bolton's framework submission could see 16,400 new homes built, with about 7,000 of these arriving on green sites across the town.
And with the all important deadline looming, it appears tensions are running high, with Bolton West MP Chris Green and deputy council leader Linda Thomas clashing on social media.
Each appear to be blaming the other's party for why such a large amount of development is being planned or is required in the borough.
Cllr Thomas accused Mr Green's Conservative Government of turning a blind eye to the issue of land banking - where developers gain planning permission for a site but sit on it and fail to develop it.
Mr Green then hit back and said the council was not moving fast enough with major plans to create 1700 homes on the former Horwich Loco Works site, which he said is adding to the threat for Bolton's green spaces.
Cllr Thomas responded, asking: "I take it that is a no to speaking up for Bolton on land banking of 5K?"
Before Mr Green hit back with: "Speaking up? How's this: don't build on our green spaces and rewrite the GMSF to improve our infrastructure!"
Finally, the Halliwell councillor asked Mr Green to raise the land banking issue with ministers on behalf of 'the Bolton people.'
To view the spatial framework plans and comment before tonight's deadline, click here
@ChrisGreenMP @LiamThorpBN I take it that is a no to speaking up for Bolton on land banking of 5K
— Cllr Linda Thomas (@CllrLindaThomas) January 15, 2017
Thanks
@CllrLindaThomas @LiamThorpBN Speaking up? How's this: don't build on our green spaces and rewrite the GMSF to improve our infrastructure!
— Chris Green MP (@ChrisGreenMP) January 15, 2017
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel