Our priorities for candidates in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election next week – Thursday 30th July 2026

Our priorities for candidates in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election next week – Thursday 30th July 2026

Protecting Greater Manchester’s Countryside and Green Spaces

CPRE, the countryside charity, has worked for 100 years to promote, enhance and protect the countryside for everyone. With a national membership of over 40,000 and active volunteers in all 10 GM Local Authorities, we campaign for a planning system that supports thriving communities, safeguards valued landscapes, protects nature, promotes sustainable development and ensures future generations can enjoy the countryside. In Greater Manchester we led the creation of the GM Ringway walk.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has a vital role in shaping the future of our city region. We are asking for your commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment while supporting flourishing and well-planned communities, and specifically to:

1. Prioritise the use of brownfield land and under-used urban sites to support urban regeneration and prevent the loss of Green Belt.

2. Protect the Green Belt and countryside from poorly located development.

3. Protect and enhance nature, biodiversity and the landscapes that shape our local identity and support mental and physical wellbeing.

4. Improve access to high-quality green spaces and countryside for everyone.

5. Ensure that new development is supported by appropriate infrastructure and services, especially public transport links.

6. Ensure strategic planning and investment decisions balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability

We’d welcome a brief response to these important questions for our members outlining how you would support these objectives if elected.

Lindsay Beaton, Chair – CPRE Lancashire, Liverpool City region and Greater Manchester.

#greenbelt #landprotection #GMRingway