Fury as hundreds of villagers prepare to protest 20,000 new town plan on Saturday

Hundreds of local residents are expected to attend the second protest against Adlington's new town plans this weekend. The protest is in response to proposals by the Government's New Towns Taskforce to build between 14,000 and 20,000 new homes in the area, a plan critics say could overwhelm local infrastructure and encroach on Green Beltland. The Supporters of Adlington Greenbelt Facebook group is behind the demonstration, which will see around 200 people gather at the Poynton Relief Road roundabout on Saturday, November 8.

With the village's current population at approximately 1,200, the proposed development would dramatically increase the number of residents, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the community. The Facebook group description reads: "Please join us to save the greenbelt, farmland and the ancient woodlands of the beautiful rural village, Adlington, in Cheshire. It has been listed as one of the twelve proposed Government New Towns, being put forward as a nomination by a private developer & investor.

"The area, however, is greenbelt with valuable and prime arable and mixed farmland, bluebell woods in ancient and mature woodlands. There are abundant hedgerows and pastures that have MG5 classifications and a number of SSSI sites within the village, including ponds & reservoirs.

"Further SSSi are found in the local vicinity of Poynton. Adlington is also close to the protected Peak District National Park and the main site was Adlington Hall estate that has not been touched for 700 hundred years."

Residents have also launched the Stop Adlington New Town campaign. According to the campaign's website, the proposed development could attract more than 55,000 new residents, potentially leading to the destruction of cherished countryside and wildlife.

The residents argue that the development would result in the loss of predominantly high-quality agricultural land, much of which is arranged in ancient field patterns. They believe it will threaten the livelihoods of local farmers and is expected to significantly increase pollution in the area.

Speaking after the first demonstration on October 25, organiser Kasim Awan warned of the potential impact on surrounding communities, Macclesfield Nub News reported.

"The magnitude of this proposal means it will border the major neighbouring towns such as Macclesfield, Poynton and Stockport.

"People from all these areas attended the protest on Saturday, in solidarity with the people of Adlington, as they know what the proposed new town would mean for the welfare of their areas' people, nature, infrastructure and NHS services."

The Government's New Towns Taskforce report claims that the proposed development would help ease housing pressures in Greater Manchester and support economic growth across both regions. It highlights potential benefits for Cheshire's renowned life sciences corridor.

The report states: "The new town proposal in Cheshire East is concentrated around the existing village of Adlington. The proposal, submitted by landowners Belport Adlington Limited, would deliver a standalone new town comprising over 14,000 to 20,000 homes on approximately 970 hectares of greenfield land. Benefitting from largely consolidated ownership, Adlington presents a compelling placemaking opportunity."

It also acknowledges that building a new town would require a "comprehensive sustainable transport strategy", noting that train services at the existing station are infrequent and the area is not well integrated into local bus networks.

Freddie James, Director at Belport, said: "Adlington will become a significant contributor to growth in the region, by providing new employment spaces and opportunities, homes for workers, and improved infrastructure.

"As such it will make a significant contribution to local, regional and national taxes and in return, residents will be able to access Government services like other residents of the area."