Protecting our much-valued green spaces has been something James has long been committed to, first as a local councillor, and now as the local MP. There is a very clear need for more affordable homes in our area, but this should be done via brownfield regeneration, not at the expense of our greenbelt or greenfield sites. Over the past few years, Wigan Council, in conjunction with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, have attempted to build on our greenfield sites under their so-called ‘Places for Everyone’ plan. I will oppose unnecessary plans for development on our green spaces, instead opting for a brownfield first strategy.
Since being elected to Parliament as MP for Leigh, James has frequently fought against council plans that would seek not only to over-develop on our precious green spaces, but also would see countless families move to the Leigh constituency without the necessary infrastructure in place to support them, such as the lack of rail connectivity and inadequate roads. James continues to raise his concerns over these developments and has regularly supported constituents in their fight against controversial housing sites in Lowton, Pennington, Atherton and Astley.
For further information on what James is doing to help protect our greenbelt, you can see some news articles below.