Fears small developments could target 'new town' site

DLINGTON is celebrating the news the village is no longer on the shortlist of sites for a new town but local councillors fear it could be targeted for smaller housing proposals.

- BY BELINDA RYAN

Some of the Adlington campaigners outside Cheshire East Councils meeting at Tatton Park in December

Adlington was one of 12 sites being considered by the government for a new standalone town, with up to 20,000 homes proposed on greenfield land around the existing village.

The government has now named the seven locations which will be carried forward and Adlington isn't on that shortlist, although the five areas removed from the list are still considered as 'credible development opportunities'.

Cllr Michael Beanland (Con) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he was delighted with the announcement, but he feared it was a 'reprieve rather than a clearance!

"It's a welcome relief and I'm sure Adlington are going to have a party on the back of it, but I think we've got to be careful," said the Cheshire East councillor who represents Poynton West and Adlington. It seems to have stopped the 20,000 development, which is fine, but now all we're going to get is a plethora of smaller applications."