The country's first housing private finance initiative project could be delayed after a complaint from the Ramblers' Association.
The walkers' group plans to oppose the proposed closure of 300 alleyways in the crime-ridden Plymouth Grove area of Manchester to make way for roads and pedestrian areas.

At a three-day planning inquiry into the £90m renewal, the Ramblers' Association, Open Spaces Society and Greater Manchester Pedestrian Association said a dozen of the paths should remain open.

They challenge the council's use of the Town & Country Planning Act.

"In our view the whole process is flawed," said Dr Edgar Ernstbrunner, footpath coordinator of the Ramblers' Association in the Manchester and High Peak area.

"I haven't heard of any case where 300 rights of way have been steamrollered in one application."

He indicated that the groups would launch a legal challenge if their protest fails.

The objectors believe the inquiry could set an "important precedent" for two more schemes in Manchester.

The 30-year PFI project was signed last March after three years of negotiations. Kim Penfold, group director of strategy and information at Harvest Housing Group, which is leading the renewal, said any further delay "would be disastrous for the people who have to live in the area".

Source

Housing Today