Questions have been raised about a Tory peer's role in the Adlington new town plans.

On Monday, March 2, Cheshire East councillors sent a letter to Lord Deben, John Gummer, to request clarification regarding his involvement with the proposed 20,000-home development.

Lord Deben is founder and chairman of Sancroft International, a consultancy believed to be advising Belport, the firm behind the Adlington plans.

Councillors want to ensure Lord Deben is aware of the motion opposing the proposals that was carried unanimously in December 2025.

The letter reads: "Given the scale and sensitivity of the proposed development, we would be grateful if you could clarify the nature and extent of your personal involvement with Belport in relation to these proposals.

"In particular, we would welcome confirmation of the specific services Sancroft International is providing, the length of time for which you and/or Sancroft International have been advising Belport, and whether this advisory role is ongoing.

"As you will appreciate, there is significant local interest in and concern about the Adlington new town proposals.

"Cheshire East Council recently voted unanimously to oppose a new town at Adlington which clearly shows the strong feeling against such proposals. I have attached a copy of the motion."

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Councillor Fiona Wilson, who put forward the aforementioned motion and drafted the letter to Lord Deben, added: "Lord Deben is the founder of Sancroft International, a business which advises on environmental, social, ethical and planning issues, it is vital that we are able to raise residents' concerns with him."

The letter to Lord Deben has been signed by every member of the Cheshire East Council Labour group, as well as councillors from other parties and ungrouped members.

However, it has not been signed by any of the 33 Conservative councillors, who are understood to be writing their own letter to Lord Deben.

Chris O'Leary, the Conservative councillor for the Sutton ward, said: "I would have signed this. But it was sent during working hours, the day before a council meeting, and I did not see this or know about this before you commented on it at the meeting.

"To be honest, it felt that the timing was deliberate and that I was being publicly accused of deliberately not signing it to cover up John Gummer's alleged role."

Councillor O'Leary continued, highlighting that the New Towns Taskforce was appointed by the Labour Government and chaired by Sir Michael Lyons of the Labour Party.

He added: "I won't be signing your letter, but I will be writing to John Gummer separately about Adlington, making sure he is fully aware of the significant public anger about these proposals, and the ensuring he is aware of the large evidence base that demonstrates that this new town is in the wrong place.

"I will also speak to Lord Evans of Rainow, who previously spoke in the House of Lords about the Adlington proposals."

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Lord Deben has been contacted for his response.