Campaigners fighting the proposed Adlington New Town have called on Cheshire East Council's leader and deputy to resign because of a letter they wrote appearing to support the controversial development.

The letter, obtained through a freedom of information request, reveals council leader Nick Mannion (Macclesfield, Lab) and deputy Michael Gorman (Wilmslow, Ind) were aware in the early summer of Belport's plans for a new town of up to 20,000 homes on green belt land at Adlington.

The document, which was redacted before being released, was sent to Sir Michael Lyons, chair of the New Towns Task Force, and states: "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."

Cllr Simon Gleave, chair of Adlington Parish Council, and spokesperson for Supporters of the Adlington Greenbelt, said: "We believe these proposals would have a profound impact on Adlington and the surrounding towns and villages, yet no local consultation appears to have taken place."

READ MORE: Council leaders 'recognise potential' of Adlington new town proposals

He said the Cheshire East leaders have 'betrayed the local community, which represents an undemocratic breach of trust'.

"We condemn the behaviour by Cheshire East Council and call for the resignations of both the council leader and deputy leader, and for the vast scheme to be dropped entirely," said Cllr Gleave.

He added: "The plans of the developers, Belport, involve the potential development and decimation of up to 2,500 acres of Cheshire green belt land.

"While we understand the need for new housing, the proposals appear to be motivated and driven primarily by private investment returns rather than a need for local housing.

"New homes in the area could start at prices around £400,000, which would place them well beyond the reach of first-time buyers and those in need of social housing.

"The proposals are about profit, not local need."

Cheshire East Council leader Nick Mannion and deputy Michael Gorman (Credit: CEC)

Since their letter became public, councillors Mannion and Gorman have released a joint statement reiterating the proposal for Adlington has not been developed or promoted by Cheshire East officers or councillors.

They said: "As a local authority committed to sustainable growth and long-term placemaking, we do also recognise that new towns – if appropriately planned and delivered – could play a valuable role in creating inclusive new communities and helping to meet local housing, infrastructure and employment needs, including affordable and social housing which would support the economy and local businesses to ensure Cheshire East can retain skilled workers.

"In June, we wrote a letter to government to raise these points.

"However, recognising potential does not equate to unconditional support.

"Any proposals must be carefully assessed for their impact on existing communities, infrastructure, and the environment."

But campaigners are furious.

Protests have been held in Adlington since the proposal was first made public by the government in September and about 400 residents turned up at another demonstration on Sunday, November 30.

The campaigners say the scheme would involve the destruction of the green belt, the ancient woodlands, farms and the natural habitat that exists there for countless species.

The government is expected to publish more information about the 12 new town proposals in the spring, and a final decision is anticipated in May or June 2026.