Leaders 'cannot ignore flaws' in plan for new town

24 December 2025

Kaleigh WattersonBBC Cheshire political reporter

News image — The proposals have led to protests in the local area

BBC Protesters holding signs saying no to the Adlington new town — The proposals have led to protests in the local area

Leaders in Cheshire have written to the government opposing its plan for a new town of up to 20,000 homes in the county.

Adlington is one of 12 sites put forward for a new town but it is controversial, with protests and concerns raised by parish councils, the local MP and Cheshire East councillors who voted to formally oppose the idea earlier in December.

In a letter to Housing Secretary Steve Reed, the council's leader and deputy leader said they could not "ignore the fundamental flaws" in the plan and "considerable" local opposition.

The government said it continued "to work closely with local leaders to ensure these towns will be in the right places and have the necessary infrastructure".

The developer, Belport, said its plans would "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."

'Areas of concern'

The letter, from Labour leader of the council Nick Mannion and the deputy leader, independent Michael Gorman, said the authority had nine main areas of concern.

These included green belt protection, prioritising brownfield sites first and concerns about the proposal being brought forward without formal involvement of elected officials in the area.

A petition against the plans was presented to the House of Commons by Macclesfield MP Tim Roca last week.

The government is currently looking into all 12 areas put forward for a new town, with a decision set to be made in the spring.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "Our landmark plan to build new towns will help restore the dream of homeownership for families across the country.

"We continue to work closely with local leaders to ensure these towns will be in the right places and have the necessary infrastructure.

"No final decisions will be made until the spring, however we recognise that there are clear strengths in all 12 of the sites recommended by the taskforce."

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