Cheshire Council Leaders Face Resignation Calls Over Controversial New Town Proposal

Published 17 February 2026

Highlights

• Cheshire East Council leaders face resignation calls after backing a new town proposal without local support, sparking backlash.
• The proposed Adlington new town, part of a government list, aims to build 20,000 homes, raising concerns over green belt land.
• A petition against the new town garnered nearly 19,000 signatures, but the government prioritizes national interest over local opposition.
• Council leader Nick Mannion and deputy Michael Gorman apologized for their letter supporting the proposal, citing miscommunication.
• A no-confidence motion against the leaders is set to be debated, highlighting issues of local government accountability.

Cheshire East Council leaders are under mounting pressure to resign following their controversial support for a new town proposal in Adlington, which has ignited significant local opposition. The proposal, which envisions the construction of 20,000 homes, was included in the government's list of potential new town sites, raising alarms about the impact on green belt land and local communities.

Local Backlash and Leadership Apology

Residents of Adlington, a village on the edge of the Peak District, were caught off guard when the area was named as one of 12 proposed sites for new towns across England. The revelation that Council Leader Nick Mannion and Deputy Leader Michael Gorman had written a letter to the New Towns Taskforce in support of the proposal has led to calls for their resignation. The leaders have since apologized, acknowledging that their letter was "badly worded" and expressing regret for the confusion and concern it caused.

Government's Stance and Public Opposition

Despite a petition with nearly 19,000 signatures opposing the new town, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized that decisions would be made "in the national interest" rather than based on petition numbers. The government's commitment to building 1.5 million homes includes the development of new towns, a policy that has faced criticism for potentially leading to urban sprawl and inadequate housing solutions.

Political Repercussions and Accountability

The Conservative group on the council has submitted a motion of no confidence against Mannion and Gorman, citing their lack of consultation and transparency in the decision-making process. The motion is set to be debated, highlighting the ongoing tension between local governance and national housing policies. Opposition councillor Hayley Whitaker criticized the leaders for acting without proper scrutiny, stating that their actions "sealed the fate for Adlington."

What this might mean

The unfolding situation in Cheshire East underscores the complex dynamics between local governance and national housing strategies. If the no-confidence motion passes, it could lead to significant leadership changes within the council, potentially altering the trajectory of the Adlington new town proposal. The controversy also raises broader questions about the role of public consultation in large-scale development projects and the balance between local interests and national priorities. As the debate continues, the outcome may influence future housing policy decisions and the approach to new town developments across the UK.