Council reports minimal participation in new town initiative

The local authority involved in a proposed new town has stated its participation has been "very limited". Documents released in response to a Freedom of Information request, shared by an opposition councillor, reveal that Cheshire East Council's leader and deputy leader sent a letter to the New Towns Task Force to "reaffirm" support for the new town proposals under consideration.

The plan, submitted by developer Belport rather than the council, would see thousands of new homes built in Adlington, sparking local campaigns and protests. The council emphasised that its correspondence with the government was meant to "acknowledge" that new towns might contribute to meeting housing needs, but that recognition does not imply unconditional approval. Local parish councils remain opposed to the development.

Belport's proposals could see up to 20,000 homes constructed around Adlington in north Cheshire. After the village was listed as a potential site by the New Towns Taskforce, the council stated it had "noted" the recommendations and awaited further government guidance. At a full council meeting shortly afterward, Deputy Leader Michael Gorman, an independent, clarified that the council had "no role" in the proposals.

Councillor Gorman explained that the task force met with council officers in May 2025 to ask questions, after which the council sent a response letter. The letter, co-signed by Labour Leader Nick Mannion and Councillor Gorman, was later shared on social media by Conservative Councillor Chris OLeary. The correspondence, dated June 2025, stated: "Following your recent meeting in Crewe, I am writing on behalf of Cheshire East Council to reaffirm our support for the [redacted] new town proposals currently under consideration by the New Town Task Force." It also highlighted the importance of rail links, noting the Stockport-Macclesfield-Stoke line as "highly relevant" to the Adlington project.

Local councillors report widespread opposition, with numerous protests taking place. In their official statement, the council leaders reiterated that their involvement has been "very limited" and acknowledged community concerns. "We believe any potential future development must be guided by meaningful engagement, robust evidence, and a clear understanding of local impacts," they said.

The statement added that well-planned new towns could "play a valuable role in creating inclusive communities and helping meet local housing, infrastructure, and employment needs." However, they cautioned that recognition of potential does not constitute automatic support, stressing that all proposals must be carefully evaluated for their effects on existing communities, infrastructure, and the environment.

Strategic economic assessments are ongoing for all 12 suggested new town sites, with final decisions expected next year.

Analysis: Cheshire East Council's Role in New Town Proposals

The Cheshire East Council has recently clarified its position regarding the proposed new town in Adlington. The local authority, though involved in initial communications, stresses that its participation has been "very limited." The developer, Belport, has taken the lead in submitting plans for the new town, which could see up to 20,000 new homes built. Despite the council's limited involvement, its leaders sent a letter to the New Towns Task Force to express their acknowledgment of the housing needs that new towns could address. However, the council has firmly stated that this recognition does not equate to unconditional support for the project.

Local opposition to the development remains strong, with several campaigns and protests already underway. Despite the council's minimal role, the ongoing controversy highlights the need for meaningful engagement with communities, especially when the scale of development could profoundly impact the area. The council's official stance remains one of caution, with leaders emphasizing that any decision must be based on robust evidence, careful evaluation of the social and environmental impacts, and, most importantly, the clear understanding of local concerns.

The Cheshire East Council's message is clear: new town proposals, while potentially beneficial in addressing housing demands, should not proceed without thorough scrutiny. Their commitment to "meaningful engagement" signals the necessity of a balanced approach that considers both the need for development and the well-being of local communities. With the New Towns Task Force's strategic assessments still ongoing, Cheshire East is awaiting further government guidance before making any definitive decisions.

Sources:

• Council says new town involvement 'very limited'