The leaders of Cheshire East Council have 'recognised the potential' of Adlington new town.

A letter, released under the Freedom of Information Act, has revealed that council leader Nick Mannion and deputy Michael Gorman were aware of the plans to build thousands of homes in the parish months before they were made public.

The pair wrote to Sir Michael Lyons, chair of the New Towns Taskforce, on June 19 on behalf of the council to 'reaffirm their support' for the new town proposals.

They wrote: "Cheshire East Council is committed to playing a proactive role in the delivery of new towns.

"We are prepared to work collaboratively with the Task Force, Homes England and other partners to ensure that housing proposals are progressed with pace and purpose, subject to the Local Plan.

"We believe that these developments may have the potential to meet housing and employment needs but also serve as exemplars of modern, sustainable urban planning.

"We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these proposals further and to contribute to the next stages of the programme."

The letter, dated June 19, was shared by fellow councillor Chris O'Leary (Credit: Nub News)

Councillors Mannion and Gorman have today, November 27, reiterated that Cheshire East has had 'very limited' involvement with the proposals thus far.

They said: "The potential New Towns locations announced by the Government in September were prepared independently by the New Towns Taskforce.

"The proposal for Adlington has not been developed or promoted by Cheshire East Council officers or councillors. 

"The council's involvement with the proposals to date has been very limited – with officers responding to enquiries and requests for information from the New Towns Taskforce.

"We are acutely aware of the concerns raised by local communities and stakeholders about Adlington being one of the potential locations, and we believe that any potential future development must be shaped by meaningful engagement, robust evidence, and a clear understanding of local impacts."

The councillors continued, emphasising that while they recognise the potential of the proposals, they will not give them their 'unconditional support'.

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. 

"Like other councils where sites for potential New Towns have been suggested, we are awaiting further information from the Government. We understand from them that more information will be published in the spring, and a final decision is anticipated in May/June 2026." 

Councillors Gorman and Mannion continued: "We have made it clear to Government that, for any such proposals to work for our communities, we need the right infrastructure, and any proposals must fit into our wider local strategic planning policy and plans. 

"Cheshire East Council remains committed to a plan-led approach to development, as set out in the adopted Local Plan Strategy, and to ensuring that the views of local communities are fully considered in all planning matters. 

"Our intention and ask going forward is to work collaboratively with the Government, Homes England, and other partners so that, should the proposal for Adlington progress, we are in a position to ensure local matters are fully considered."