Adlington new town pitch fleshed out

Further details for proposals for a new parkland town of at least 14,000 homes surrounding Adlington Hall and the River Dean have been revealed by Belport.

Adlington, south of Stockport, has been identified by the New Towns Taskforce as a recommended site, and plans for the 14,000-home neighbourhood are now progressing under Belport.

However, a new town at Adlington can only proceed if the government allocates the site for that purpose.

The government’s new towns programme seeks to deliver a new generation of planned and purpose-built communities.

Belport is hoping the government will decide on new towns allocation by spring 2026, with a plan to establish a development corporation and start work before the end of 2027.

Asset manager Belport is behind the project alongside delivery partner Revcap – a joint venture between the two is the land owner.

Belport promises that at least 40% of the properties at Adlington would be affordable and prioritised for key workers.

Commercial spaces comprising offices, a lab space, sports facilities, workshops, and local shops and bars are also proposed alongside transport infrastructure, mainly in the form of active travel routes, but also improved bus services.

As a result of the influx of residents, upgrades are also being considered for Adlington rail station and the A523, which runs beside the town.

Belport also plans to open up Adlington Hall and its gardens to the public, cementing the hall as a local cultural hub.

Why Adlington?

A spokesperson for the project told Place North West: “Adlington offers an outstanding location in the county of Cheshire, close to Greater Manchester, with underutilised mainline rail connections, proximity to the North West’s road and air network, and access to major employers and nationally significant industries.

“Its situation enables the creation of an expanded standalone community around the historic Adlington Hall and its surrounding environment. It has the potential to become a sustainable parkland town that blends nature, heritage and innovation.”

Adlington Hall was purchased by the asset manager in 2023 as a long-term investment, before the government announced its new towns programme in July 2024.

More than 100 sites were considered by the New Town’s Taskforce, and Adlington is one of 12 on the initial shortlist.

The spokesperson added: “Of the 12 identified sites, given its location and characteristics, Adlington is among the sites that will require the least government financial support in its delivery, while generating accommodation, employment and growth for future generations.”

Local concerns

Some residents of the area have expressed distaste with the new town plan. The project team believes further public engagement and information will provide residents with peace of mind when considering the impact on the local area.

The spokesperson said: “We understand that people want more information about what is being proposed. Until now, very little detail has been available while government decision-making has been underway.

“We hope that when residents see the emerging plans which protect Adlington Hall and its parkland, do not require existing residents to move, and retain around half of the area as open space, they will be reassured.”

They continued: “We are very aware that there will be concerns about the impact on green spaces and farmland.

“We are working closely with local farmers to ensure that their interests are protected. Nearly half of the land will be publicly accessible open space, and Adlington Hall and Gardens will be opened for public use for the first time ever.

“There will be a network of cycle paths, riverside walks (via new community access to the River Dean), modern sports facilities and an outward bounds hub serving the adjacent Peak District National Park.”

Other partners on the project include CBRE, Insight, Parkinson Inc., LUC, PJA, and Studio Partington.

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