Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors L Anderson, T Dean, E Hall, G Hayes, A Heler, C O’Leary, B Posnett, J Pratt, L Smetham and L Smith.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests in any item on the agenda.

In relation to Item 12 Recommendation from Environment and Communities Committee: Statement of Gambling Principles, Cllr C Browne declared a conflict of interest as the report referenced the organisation he worked for, namely Citizen Advice, and stated that he would not take part in the debate or vote on the item.

During Item 5 Public Speaking Time/Open Sesson, Cllr S Gardiner declared that he knew Mr Peter Emery as he was his former employer, but he had not discussed the matter with him directly.

During Item 5 Public Speaking Time/Open Session, Cllr R Bailey stated that as there had been a number of references to farm land and the importance of it, she felt it was the right thing to do and declare that she was a member of a farming partnership. She stated that she did not know the speakers and had not had any involvement in the matter.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 15 October 2025.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2025 be approved as a correct record.

The Mayor, in summary:

1               welcomed Councillor John Knight, the newly elected councillor for the Macclesfield Central Ward, to his first Council meeting.

2               reported that the Creative Hub at the David Lewis Centre had kindly been designing a Chesire East e - Christmas card and that just before the lunch break two young residents and two carers would be attending the meeting to show the four shortlisted Christmas cards, along with the winning card, and a certificate of commendation would be presented.

3               reported the deaths of Honorary Aldermen Peter Offord Davies BEM and Honorary Freeman Carolyn Andrew. As a mark of respect, asked those present to stand for a minute’s silence.

4               reported that Michael Jones, the former Leader of the Council, had passed away at the age of only 61.

In accordance the Council Procedural Rules, a total period of 30 minutes is allocated for members of the public to speak at Council meetings. Individual members of the public may speak for up to 2 minutes, but the Chair will have discretion to vary this requirement where they consider it appropriate. 

Members of the public wishing to speak are required to provide notice of this at least three clear working days’ in advance of the meeting and should include the question with that notice.  Requests to speak and questions should be submitted via the Register to Speak form.

Petitions - To receive any petitions which have met the criteria - Petitions Scheme Criteria, and falls within the remit of the Committee. Petition organisers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak.

Mr Robert Dougals spoke in relation to engine idling and asked if the Leadership, at their next meetings with the Government’s Departments of Transport and Environment, call on them to urgently pass legislation to increase the fine for engine idling to at least £100, if not more, so that the punishment was more fitting for this very serious crime.

Cllr M Goldsmith, Chair of Highways and Transport Committee, in response stated that whilst air quality in Cheshire East was classified as good, the Council recognised the health risks associated with engine idling and were committed to reducing emissions wherever possible. “No Idling – Switch Off Engine – Reduce Emissions” signage had already been installed at the Brereton Heath Nature Reserve car park. In addition, further signage would be installed at the authorised parking areas along Brereton Heath Lane to reinforce this message and help protect the health and wellbeing of visitors to the area. The Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers would also draw drivers’ attention to these signs when they were not being adhered to. Regrettably, however, officers had limited powers in forcing motorists to switch off their engines, but most people complied when asked.

The levels of penalty associated with such offences were set by government regulations and therefore the Council had no power to increase these on its own. However, the inconsistencies raised today would be highlighted by Cllr Goldsmith at the next PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) meeting, which was a statutory joint committee of over 300 local councils that managed and enforced parking and traffic restrictions in England and Wales that were outside of London. It offered a powerful and collective voice for lobbying government for the change requested; it was hoped that action could be taken for the government to enact on this issue too.

Bollington Town Councillor Jon Weston spoke as the Mayor of Bollington and member of the Joint Working Group comprising the towns and parishes of Adlington, Poynton and Prestbury, Bollington, Mottram St. Andrew, Pott Shrigley and Rainow. He expressed his thanks to Councillors for coming together to put forward a joint proposition to drop the proposal for a new town in Adlington.

Cllr Weston stated that the New Towns Task Force claimed there was a housing shortage in Greater Manchester, but the latest joint development plan adopted in 2024 showed a surplus of 23,500 homes, with enough land identified to meet needs until at least 2039. In addition, the Task Force had proposed building a further 15,000 homes which were not included. Therefore, there was no agreed housing shortage in Greater Manchester at this time.

Cllr Weston stated that the Task Force described Adlington as a gateway between Greater Manchester and the rest of the northwest - but the facts did not support this.

Cllr Weston stated that the evidence showed that there was no urgent need for a new town at Adlington and no exceptional circumstances to justify releasing Greenbelt land and that the Council’s focus should remain on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

To consider any Notices of Motion that have been received in accordance with the Council Procedure Rules.

Consideration was given to the following Notices of Motion which had been submitted in accordance with the Council’s Procedural Rules.

1               Adlington New Town

The two Notices of Motion in relation to Adlington New Town have been consolidated into one Motion, which had been agreed by the original proposers and seconders.

Proposed by Councillor F Wilson and Seconded by Councillor M Sewart.

“This Notice of Motion is brought forward because we object to the Independent New Towns Task Force’s (NTTF) proposition to establish a New Settlement of up to 20,000 homes on land at Adlington. We recognise that the decision maker is the Secretary of State, not the Council.

Additionally, we are concerned at how this proposal was brought forward, with a lack of public consultation on behalf of both the landowner (Belport) and the NTTF.

Cheshire East Council cannot ignore either the fundamental flaws of the proposal or the significant opposition from the people of Adlington, its surrounding parishes, and neighbouring towns.

In short, we cannot support the building of a New Town at Adlington and as such we would recommend that the Council’s opposition to the proposal should be formalised.

Recommendation

1.             That this Council formally objects to the proposal for a New Town on land at Adlington.

2.             This Council requests and authorises the Leader and Deputy Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government (the decision maker) asserting the Council’s opposition to the proposed New Town at Adlington and setting out the reasons for its opposition.

3.             That should any further proposals, of a similar nature, be brought forward, that the details of such proposals are referred to the Council’s Economy and Growth Committee for consideration.

4.             Similarly, in the event of the Adlington proposal moving to the next stage, the formal response to any further consultation should also be referred to the Economy and Growth Committee and the Council’s formal response to such matters be agreed via the Economy and Growth Committee.”

RESOLVED:

That the Notice of Motion be approved.

2                        Protecting the Role of Police Community Support Officers across Cheshire and Warrington.

Proposed by Councillor J Clowes and seconded by Councillor J Smith

“This Council notes with significant concern, the proposal, announced on
21^st November 2025, by Chief Constable Mark Roberts and later confirmed by the Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price, to axe sixty PCSO jobs, reducing the current number from 87 to just 27 PCSOs by Spring 2026.

A 30-day internal consultation to consider how £13m savings might be achieved by 2029, was launched on 17^th November and is still live, however all PCSOs have already received a notice of redundancy commencing 31^st March 2026, (stating that any applications for non-uniform posts must be submitted by 16^th December).

The Chief Constable has stated that this drastic action is to enable the introduction of a new Neighbourhood Policing Model that will “meet the needs of modern-day policing” and for which “a reduction in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To receive such announcements as may be made by the Leader and Deputy Leader.

The Leader, in summary:

1               referred to the Adlington New Town proposals and stated that the Council was collaborating with the Government, Homes England, and local stakeholders to ensure that the Councils and the local community views were considered in every stage of the process.

2               thanked Helen Charlesworth-May and the Corporate Leadership Teamfor stepping up to cover whilst the Chief Executive was off work due to illness.

3               referred to the publication of the updated Indices of Deprivation and stated that despite overall prosperity, Cheshire East had areas of deep deprivation, and the Council would be writing to the Government to ensure fair funding allocation.

4               reported on progress with the Transformation Programme and referred to the ‘Prevent, Reduce, Enable’ project which had been trailed in Macclesfield to help residents remain independent and would be expanded Borough wide.

5               reported that the Council as exploring AI to improve productivity across Council operations.

6               highlighted that Adult Safeguarding Week, which had taken place 17 – 22 November, had looked at preventing abuse online by raising awareness and sharing practical steps to protect those at risk and had also held session on adult abuse prevention, modern slavery, radicalisation, and fire safety.

7               referred to the Winter Health Plan, which was a Borough-wide plan which prioritised timely hospital discharge and provide extra support in mental health and community services. He remaindered all to keep emergency contact numbers handy during the Christmas period.

8               reported that the Council’s Mental Health and Dementia Services was working with the Salvation Army to prepare parcels and food packs for children and families in need.

9               referred to Macclesfield Town Football Club, who had progressed to the third round of the FA Cup and would play the reigning champions Crystal Palace.

The Deputy Leader, in summary: -

1               referred to the budget challenges faced by the Council and stated that setting a balanced budget for 2026/27 would be very difficult. As part of the consultation on the budget, which continued until 17 December, two community assemblies had been held in Crewe and Macclesfield.

2               referred to the award of an additional Warm Homes Grant of £600,000 and urged councillors ot share information on the grant with residents.

3               reported that last month had seen the establishment of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board, which would oversee the establishment of the Combined Authority. Preparations for the appointment of statutory staff were underway. The Combined Authority would receive £21.7million per annum over the next 30 years. The first instalment in 2026-27 would be £10.85million, in advance of inaugural Mayoral elections in May 2027.

4               reported that Cheshire East Council’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme has been highly commended by the Department for Education, for its support during half term holidays for children and young people in receipt of income-related free school meals.

5               reported that the annual STAR Celebration Day for cared for children and care leavers had taken place at Sandbach Town  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

To consider the recommendation from the Corporate Policy Committee. 

Consideration was given to the recommendations from the Corporate Policy Committee held on 30 October 2025 in relation ot the Council’s Finance and Contract Procedure Rules.

RESOLVED:

That Council approve the proposed changes, as set out paragraph 7 of the report, to the Council’s Finance and Contract Procedural Rules.

To consider the recommendations from the Corporate Policy Committee.

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Corporate Policy Committee in relation to the Council’s Decision-Making Arrangements.

The Corporate Policy Committee, at its meeting on 27 November 2025, had considered the report and recommendations of the Leader and Cabinet Task and Finish Group, as set out in Appendices 1 – 6 of the report.  

These Appendices were recommended to Council for adoption, with necessary delegated powers to be given to the Monitoring Officer to make appropriate additions/amendments to the Constitution should the need to do so arise.

RESOLVED:

That Council

1               agree and adopt the following procedure rules and other constitutional documents and provisions, as appended to the report; these to take effect at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on 13 May 2026:

a)         Appendix 1: Recommendations arising from the deliberations of the Task and Finish Group

b)         Appendix 2: Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules and Arrangements

c)          Appendix 3: Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules

d)         Appendix 4: Executive Arrangements and Cabinet Procedure Rules, these to include the following provisions:

                                 i.    3 clear working days’ notice of public and Member questions should be given before Cabinet meetings, and

ii. such questions should relate to items on the agenda for the meeting in question, subject to provision being built into the Constitution to take account of matters which could not reasonably have been foreseen by the deadline for such questions.

e)         Appendix 5: Local Choice Functions

f)           Appendix 6: Leader and Cabinet Transitional Provisions

2               authorise the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Council’s political group leaders, to make such general and consequential changes to the Council's Constitution:

a)         as they deem as necessary to give effect to the wishes of the Council:

or

b)         as may become necessary at short notice, as referred to in paragraphs 9-11 of the report, and which may be required to be put in place to ensure the efficient and effective administration of the Council’s decision-making arrangements with effect from 13 May 2026: or

c)          which arise from provisions of legislation.

To consider the recommendations from the Corporate Policy Committee.

Consideration was given to the recommendations of Corporate Policy Committee on 27 November 2025 in relation to the domestic tax base 2026/27.

RESOLVED:

That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 2012, the amount to be calculated by Cheshire East Council as its Council taxbase for the year 2026/27 is 165,549.87 for the whole area, as set out in Annex 2 to the report.

To consider the recommendation from the Finance Sub Committee.

Consideration was given to the recommendations from the Finance Sub Committee held on 3 November 2025 in relation to the approval of supplementary revenue estimate.

RESOLVED: 

That Council approve the Supplementary Revenue Estimate request for Allocation of Additional Grant Funding over £1,000,00 as set out in Annex 1, Section 3, Table 1 to the report, as follows:

Core Schools Budget Grant (special schools)    £2.459m

To consider the recommendations from the Environment and Communities Committee.

Consideration was given to the recommendation from the Environment and Communities Committee held on 13 November 2025 in relation to the Statement of Gambling Principles.

It was noted that the draft Statement of Gambling Principles had also been considered by the Licensing Committee at its meeting on 8 September 2025.

RESOLVED:

That the draft revised Statement of Gambling Policy be approved for formal adoption.

To consider the recommendation from the Children and Families Committee.

Consideration was given to the recommendations from the Children and Families Committee on 10 November 2025 in relation to the Youth Justice Plan (2025-26 Update).

During consideration of the Youth Plan reference was made to the high level of hospital admissions related to alcohol, drugs and self-harm and it was asked if councillors could be informed of the precise role of the NHS in the system and how healthcare needs of these vulnerable children and young people were balanced within the justice system.  The Chair of the Children and Families Committee undertook to provide a written response.

RESOLVED:

That Council approves the content of the 2025-2026 refreshed and updated Youth Justice Strategic Plan for Cheshire.

To approve a supplementary capital estimate of £600,000 in relation to the Warm Homes Local Grant uplift.

Consideration was given to the report on the Warm Homes Local Grant allocation uplift of £600,000.

The Council in March 2025 had accepted a Warm Homes Local Grant award of £7,792,725 from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).  The purpose of the grant was to improve energy efficiency in domestic properties, targeting low-income households living in the worst quality, privately owned homes from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

In November 2025 DESNZ had advised of a provisional grant allocation uplift of £600,000 for the financial year 2025/26, for which the Council had to sign an Addendum to the MOU previously signed to accept the grant allocation.

RESOLVED:  That Council

1               accept the Warm Homes Local Grant uplift of £600,000.

2               approve a supplementary capital estimate of £600,000 for 2025/26 financial year, fully funded by grant from DESNZ.

3        notes the requirement to sign an Addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding with DESNZ, previously signed in March 2025 and authorises the Director of Growth and Enterprise to execute the Addendum.

To consider the recommendations from the Corporate Policy Committee.

Consideration was given to the recommendations from the Corporate Policy Committee held on 27 November 2025 in relation to the budget approval and acceptance of DfT Grant for Middlewich Eastern Bypass.

RESOLVED: 

That Council

1               accept the remaining £23.304m grant monies payable over 26/27 and 27/28 from the Department for Transport to be spent on the delivery of the scheme, when received to: a) Authorise the Executive Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer to:

                      i.           accept the DfT Grant allocation of £22.876m in 26/27 and £0.428m in 27/28, towards the Middlewich Eastern Bypass.

                     ii.           sign and return the Grant Letter by the DfT

2               approve a supplementary capital estimate for remaining grant monies.

3               approve an increase in the allocated budget for the Middlewich Eastern Bypass from £97.94m to £107.67m for inclusion on the Council’s Capital Programme. To agree that the increase of £9.73m be obtained from allocations from the 2025/26 Local Transport Fund of £1m and a request to the Shadow Board of the new Combined Authority in the near future for a minimum of £5.54m allocation of the Local Transport Capital Grant as detailed in the report and to authorise a supplementary capital estimate/ virement of the monies to the scheme.

4               allocate £1.24m surplus monies contained within the Congleton Link Road major highways scheme towards the project and authorise a supplementary capital estimate / virement of the monies to the scheme.

5               allocate any future proceeds from the sale of the land and property acquired in addition to the land acquired under the Compulsory Purchase Order during scheme development to the Middlewich Eastern Bypass project.

In accordance the Council Procedure Rules, opportunity is provided for Members of the Council to ask the Mayor or the Chair of a Committee any question about a matter which the Council, or the Committee has powers, duties or responsibilities.

At Council meeting, there will be a maximum question time period of 30 minutes. A period of two minutes will be allowed for each Councillor wishing to ask a question.  The Mayor will have the discretion to vary this requirement where they consider it appropriate.

Councillor K Hauge spoke in relation to several ongoing issues facing Pickmere residents. She stated that the bridge over Waterless Brook had been closed due to structural failures over a year ago and that there were still no planned repairs, only a commitment from the Council to investigate the issue in January 2026. Since the closure, no bus services had been arranged leaving residents and emergency services without reliable access. Councillor Hauge also referred to unreliable traffic lights on Cann Lane which had not yet been scheduled for repair. Fluttergate Lane had reopened following emergency gas works however the repairs to the road were poor and subsequently damaging cars. Councillor Hauge asked what audit work was undertaken by the Council and stated the importance of having reliable access for residents and emergency services.

Councillor M Goldsmith, Chair of Highways and Transport Committee, responded by stating that the emergency gas works undertaken on Fluttergate Lane would have a two-year warranty and that any concerns relating to poor repairs should be reported to the Council to investigate. Councillor Goldsmith confirmed that the Council did not inspect every repair but instead took a cross-sample. In relation to the repair of the Waterless Brook bridge, Councillor Goldsmith agreed to seek a written response from officers, providing an update on timescales for repair but did highlight that repairs to bridges were complex and costly and he hoped that funding would be allocated in future for such repairs.

Councillor N Cook spoke in relation to ongoing street lighting issues within her ward and highlighted that she had reported a broken streetlight on Hill Street and to date, had received an update or acknowledgement. Councillor Cook further stated that in November two lampposts were removed from Richmond Close without any consultation or engagement with herself as Ward Councillor or local residents. An update was awaited in relation to the installation of temporary lights which were due to be installed by the end of November. Two further reports of missing lampposts in Elworth had also been made with no acknowledgement or update. Councillor Cook stated the importance of adequate streetlighting and asked that her outstanding reports be reviewed and responded to as soon as possible.

Councillor M Goldsmith, Chair of Highways and Transport Committee, responded by agreeing that streetlighting played a key role in communities feeling safe and apologised that Councillor Cook had not yet received an update in relation to the repairs she had reported. Councillor Goldsmith confirmed that the removal of street lighting was sometimes necessary for operational reasons and to ensure that lighting columns were electrically and structurally safe. It was anticipated that Richmond Close would be completed within the next two weeks. Councillor Goldsmith confirmed that there was no strategy to reduce costs by removing street lighting.

Councillor L Wardlaw expressed her sympathy at the passing of the former Leader, Michael Jones and acknowledged the contribution she felt he had made to the Council. Separately, Councillor Wardlaw referred to the resilience of the Senior  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.