Cheshire East Council leaders have written to confirm their opposition to the Adlington new town proposals.

Nick Mannion and Michael Gorman, leader and deputy leader respectively, have penned a letter to Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government.

In it, they assert the council's opposite to the proposed new town at Adlington, following a unanimous vote at a meeting earlier this month.

The letter outlines several reasons for their opposition, including planning policy and the destruction of agricultural land, wildlife habitats and the green belt.

It reads: "There are significant concerns about the impact of the New Towns proposal on Adlington and the surrounding areas.

"It is important to emphasise that Cheshire East Council is neither the proposer nor the decision-maker for the Adlington new town proposal.

"The decision on the proposal rests solely with you as the Secretary of State.

"However, we cannot ignore the fundamental flaws in the proposal nor the considerable opposition from the people of Adlington, its surrounding parishes and neighbouring towns."

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Protests took place before the meeting on December 10 (Credit: LDRS)

The letter continues: "Cheshire East Council is committed to a plan-led approach to development, as set out in the council's adopted Local Plan Strategy, which includes appropriate consultation with local communities.

"The council recognises that to meet all identified needs and to support local communities and businesses, and enable a thriving economy, there is a need for additional housing and a diverse mix of sizes and tenures – including affordable and social homes, specialist housing, homes for older and vulnerable adults, starter homes and properties for rent.

"However, the proposal to establish a new town at Adlington is unacceptable to Cheshire East Council for several reasons, and in some respects, inconsistent with the Government's own planning policies."

The letter can be read in full here.