GREATER Manchester’s contentious Spatial Framework plans have been delayed.

The second draft of the project was set to be released in June year but this has been changed to July to account for disruption caused by local council elections.

It is estimated that the Northwest needs around 200,000 new homes built by 2035 and the latest edition of the plan earmarks space for 16,000 houses in Bolton.

Once the document is released it will be followed up by a 12-week public consultation.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, said: “The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework is vital for the success of our city region and represents our best chance to solve the housing crisis. It will be a bold, ambitious plan to ensure that we have the right homes and jobs in the right places, and the transport connections and infrastructure to support developments.

“So we need to make sure that this plan is as good as it can be before we ask Greater Manchester people what they think of it. Therefore we’ve revised the timetable for publication to do the additional work necessary to set out a clear vision for the future. This also demonstrates to the public that we are taking account of the issues raised during the recent local elections.”

He was joined by lead for housing, planning and homelessness, Paul Dennett, who added: "Throughout the development of the new draft of the Spatial Framework we have committed to listening to and engaging with the public.

“The framework is a huge part of securing our shared future success and we are determined to ensure it is as good as it can be for the people of Greater Manchester.

“We will continue to keep the public updated on our progress as we carry out this important piece of work.”