New town plan of up to 20,000 homes opposed by council

Councillors in part of Cheshire have voted to oppose plans for a new town in the area that could include up to 20,000 new homes.

Adlington is one of 12 sites put forward for a potential new town but it has been controversial, with protests in the area and concerns raised by parish councils and the local MP.

A motion put to Cheshire East Council by Labour and Conservative councillors called on the authority to formally object to the proposal and was passed.

A number of protesters attended the meeting at Tatton Park and members of the public spoke about the plans. The developer Belport said it recognised the concerns raised by the council.

Campaigner Aysha Hawcutt said she was "delighted" by a "firm and unanimous public decision from Cheshire East".

She highlighted the level of opposition from organisations including local councils, wildlife organisations and those in the local community.

"How much more do the new towns task force, or whoever is currently in charge of making the decision, need to see in order to strike the Adlington proposal from their list?" she said.

"And when will Belport admit defeat, listen to the overwhelming opposition, stop throwing good money after bad and withdraw their proposal?"

A Belport spokesperson added: "Our plans will continue to evolve through open, detailed and meaningful conversations with residents, businesses and civic leaders.

"We remain committed to listening and working with the community as this process moves forward," it said.

Ahead of the meeting, two separate motions were submitted - one from Labour's Fiona Wilson and a second from Mike Sewart, a Conservative.

But it was revised to one motion proposed by Fiona Wilson and seconded by Mike Sewart.

It called on the council to formally object to the proposal and write to the housing secretary stating the reasons for its opposition.

Strategic economic assessments by the government are under way for all 12 locations suggested as a potential new town, with final decisions set to be made next year.

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