Petition against new town presented to Commons

A petition signed by almost 19,000 people against plans for a new town in Cheshire has been presented to the House of Commons.

The petition, presented by Macclesfield's Labour MP Tim Roca, called for the government to abandon plans for a new town in Adlington.

He said he "wholeheartedly" shared the views of those who signed the petition.

Adlington is one of 12 locations put forward for a potential new town, and the proposal has been controversial with protests taking place and the council opposing the plans.

Mr Roca said the petition had signatures from 7,200 people on paper and a further 11,714 online.

"Residents and local councils are united in concern about the loss of greenbelt and agricultural land; the strain on already stretched roads, schools and services; and the impact on local wildlife and the rural character of our communities," he told the Commons.

Petitions presented by MPs will receive a response from the government.

The plans for Adlington include up to 20,000 new homes and have been put forward by developer Belport.

Local town and parish councils have objected to the plans, and Cheshire East Council agreed to formally oppose the plans at a meeting last week.

Belport said it recognised the concerns and its plans would "evolve through open, detailed and meaningful conversations with residents, businesses and civic leaders".

Adlington was announced as a potential location by the New Towns Taskforce in September.

The government is currently working on strategic economic assessments for all 12 locations, with final decisions set to be made next year.

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