Cheshire East Council has formalised its opposition to the Government’s proposal for a New Town in Adlington, citing a direct conflict with local planning strategies and resident interests. The Corporate Policy Committee confirmed the decision to submit a formal response to the ongoing public consultation, reinforcing a stance first established in late 2025.
📌 Key Highlights
* Unanimous Opposition: Local councillors and parish representatives remain united against the Adlington site.
* Policy Misalignment: The proposal fails to meet the criteria set out in the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy.
* Alternative Status: While not a priority site, Adlington remains on the Government’s list of alternative locations.
* Infrastructure Concerns: Leaders argue for plan-led development over central government impositions.
Strategic Conflict with Local Planning
Council leader Nick Mannion and deputy leader Michael Gorman emphasized that while the borough requires affordable housing, the Adlington proposal bypasses established local frameworks. The council’s objection rests on the fact that the site does not align with the Cheshire East Local Plan, which dictates where infrastructure and employment hubs should be situated to ensure sustainable growth.
By responding formally to the New Towns consultation, the council aims to prevent the site from being reactivated as a primary development target. The local authority maintains that development must be guided by resident views and existing environmental protections rather than external taskforce mandates.
Timeline of the Adlington Proposal
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | Adlington identified by the Government’s New Towns Taskforce |
| December 2025 | Cheshire East Council votes unanimously to object to the proposal |
| March 2026 | Adlington excluded from the seven priority sites but kept as an alternative |
| May 2026 | Council agrees to formalise response to the national consultation |
Protecting the Local Plan Strategy
The Government’s New Towns Taskforce initially flagged Adlington as a potential site for large-scale urban expansion. However, local leaders argue that such a move would undermine years of strategic planning. The council’s current Local Plan Strategy is designed to balance housing needs with the preservation of the borough’s character and the capacity of existing services.
Officials confirmed that the formal response will reiterate that the Adlington site remains unsuitable for the scale of development proposed. The council will continue to advocate for housing projects that are well-connected and supported by necessary infrastructure improvements, rather than isolated developments that strain local resources.
Source: Cheshire East Council
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