Cheshire East is to rewrite its response to the government's new towns' consultation following a scathing attack from councillors who branded it 'weak and incoherent'.

Adlington, which was one of 12 sites being considered by the government for a new standalone town, is no longer on the shortlist of seven but is still considered as a 'credible development opportunity'.

Cheshire East's officers said it was therefore appropriate for the council to take part in the consultation.

But councillors were unhappy with the officers' draft response and refused to endorse it at Thursday's (April 30) corporate policy committee meeting.

Instead, they unanimously backed an amendment from Cllr Chris O'Leary (Sutton, Con) that it be redrafted by the executive director of place in consultation with the council leader, deputy, and leader of the opposition.

Members of the public who turned up had also attacked the response.

Poynton councillor Jos Saunders (Con) said: "I think the response has been weak, and I think it's incoherent.

"And although it's been stated that Adlington is off the table at the moment, we are still seen as a credible alternative…

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"Quite frankly, with this government's history of U-turns, what's to say it won't be back on the table next week anyway, so I can't endorse it."

Cllr Liz Wardlaw (Odd Rode, Con) said: "We need to ensure that the consultation response is clear, emphatic and unambiguous.

"We don't want a new town of up to 20,000 houses.

"We do not want 28,000 new cars running in out of Manchester or wherever else.

"More than this, we don't want smaller developments cropping up which will have the same adverse impact on biodiversity, agriculture, infrastructure, education and health."

ALSO READ: Investigation into Cheshire East leaders' Adlington letter to be concluded this month

Adlington residents campaigning outside Macclesfield Town Hall before the start of Cheshire East Council's corporate policy meeting (Credit: LDRS)

Wilmslow councillor Mark Goldsmith (Ind) questioned the importance of the council's response to the consultation and suggested the fact the form was 'word-limited' meant it could be a mere tick-box exercise.

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But Disley councillor Sue Adams (Con) said: "Regardless of our perception of the importance of this form, I think we owe it to residents to do the best job that we can on it. It is so important, I'm not prepared to take any chances."

Richard Kenny, interim executive director for place, replied: "Absolutely, and that's exactly what we're doing.

"We've expressed the view of the council [previously], and we've changed government's policy as a result of that.

"So, I think that's a really credible position for the council in terms of making an impact on behalf of its residents and communities."

Wilmslow councillor David Jefferay (Ind) said: "Actually, I think it's a very weak submission at the moment.

"My nagging concern on this is not only if it comes back as an option that we haven't put forward a robust opposition to it, but also anything that we put in the public domain will also be used for future, smaller applications on that area of the borough."

Macclesfield councillor Fiona Wilson (Lab), who put the notice of motion to full council in December which led to all 71 councillors present unanimously objecting to the new town proposals, said everyone had pointed to the 'least favourite parts of the consultation response' but 'it clearly does say we object to the proposals'.

Deputy leader Michael Gorman (Wilmslow, Ind) stressed neither himself nor council leader Nick Mannion (Macclesfield, Lab) had ever been in favour of a new town at Adlington.

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He said they'd both met with the Adlington Parish Council chairman and campaigners.

"We've also met with MPs of all stripes, with ministers and with MHCLG officials, and I do have to say, they've got the message absolutely clearly from us, no new town in Adlington, and I think that message has been received and understood," he said.