55 - Manchester Conurbation : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The Manchester conurbation is formed of a number of cities, towns and villages which have grown and come together. These include Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Sale, Ashton-under-Lyne, Swinton, Altrincham, Stretford, Prestwich, Cheadle Hulme, Denton and Droylsden. The area is dense with urban and industrial development. This includes commercial, financial, retail and administrative centres and commuter suburbs. A network of green infrastructure runs through the area.

The area is centred on low hills. Several river valleys pass between these hills and through urban areas. The ground is mainly formed of sandstone, covered by thick deposits of glacial clay. The sandstone holds lots of groundwater. This supplies a large number of industrial users as well as public water supply.

River valleys provide semi-natural habitats and green space. This open grassland, woodland and wetland links urban areas with the open countryside. Some former industrial areas are now sites of wildlife interest. Canals that pass through the urban areas offer the chance for access and recreation. They also form a network of wetland habitats. Sections of the Rochdale Canal are of international importance as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Woodland cover is high for such a heavily urban area, but this varies across the NCA. New areas of community woodland have been created in the Red Rose Forest and Pennine Edge Forest.

The history of the landscape can be seen through the industrial heritage, centred on the textile industry. In the late 18th century industry developed quickly. Growth in the cotton industry led to an increase in the population due to the need for labour. Rows of terraced housing were built for these workers. Buildings made of red brick and sandstone can be seen in the city and town centres. More modern buildings are made of a mix of materials. High-rise buildings are prominent, as are landmark buildings of all periods.

Economic growth has a key influence on the landscape of the NCA today. Pressure for development is high. There is a need to provide roads and services. The area’s natural environment needs to be strong and healthy enough to meet the demands of growth. Improvements to green infrastructure provide the chance to deliver a healthy natural environment. This can provide space for recreation and a sense of community. These benefits include managing surface water, will reduce the risk of floods and can make urban areas resilient to climate change. The aim should be to conserve the NCA’s distinctive biodiversity, landscape and heritage.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Provide and maintain green infrastructure, including multi-functional green spaces and trees, improving links between habitats as well as creating a high-quality urban environment – to aid adaptation to climate change, to provide opportunities for recreation, and to enable people to enjoy the benefits that access to nature brings.

SEO 2

Conserve and enhance the cultural heritage and character of the Manchester Conurbation, recognising the industrial and textile history of the area, and providing opportunities for access and interpretation of the urban environment for people to understand and enjoy.

SEO 3

Provide a healthy water environment – with rivers, canals, wetlands, streams and aquifers – creating habitats for wildlife, delivering sustainably managed water and bringing multiple benefits for people.

SEO 4

Conserve and enhance the river valleys and canals, as corridors through the urban areas, for the multiple benefits that the natural environment provides, to improve the landscape, and to make green spaces available for the benefit of both wildlife and people.