The UK government has decided that Adlington, Cheshire, will not be developed into one of seven new towns, according to multiple reports. The Adlington new town plan was proposed by a developer, not a local authority, and Cheshire East Council voted to oppose the plans in December, as reported by major media. The government stated that Adlington and other areas not selected as new towns are still deemed credible development opportunities and may be supported through existing housing programs, according to the UK government.
Local residents and tenant farmers are waiting for Belport, the landowner, to announce its next move for the land, with residents fearing Belport may still attempt to develop new homes on farms where tenancies are running out, according to major media. Campaigners argued the Adlington area was unsuitable for a new town due to poor transport links, distance from public services, and being productive pastureland, multiple reports indicate. Local MP Tim Roca presented a petition of nearly 19,000 signatures against the plans in Parliament, according to major media.
When the news landed that we had been removed from the list we jumped for joy. Now, we are back to the reality that we need to keep an eye on what Belport may pivot to next.
Residents found out Adlington was no longer in the running for a new town through the media, not directly from authorities, according to major media. A planning inspector allowed an appeal to build 540 new homes on neighboring green belt land at Woodford Aerodrome earlier this month, according to major media. According to Daily Mail - News, Andrew Rowe described initial joy at the news but noted the need to monitor Belport's next steps.
According to BBC News - Politics, Aysha Hawcutt described ongoing vigilance against scaled-back threats under normal planning rules. According to BBC News - Politics, Simon Gleave emphasized that Adlington remains green belt with inadequate infrastructure. According to BBC News - Politics, Tim Roca stated he consistently opposed the development.
We're not so naive as to think that there won't be any further challenges or threats to our area. But without those sweeping powers that would have been granted if it had been designated as a new town area, then those plans - those threats - will have to be scaled back and fall within normal planning guidelines and legislation.
Yes, it says Adlington is a credible location for development, but it doesn't change the fact it's still green belt, the infrastructure's not here, and the local services aren't here to support any sort of major development. Adlington needs some development but the right development for the right people in the right location. Brownfield first, greenbelt never. We should be a last resort if it ever was needed.
From day one, I have been clear that Adlington was not a suitable site for this development, and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that message was heard at the highest levels of government.