Agenda and minutes

To note any apologies for absence from Members.

Apologies were received from Councillor D Clark, J Clowes and S Gardiner. Councillors B Puddicombe, S Adams and L Wardlaw were present as substitutes.

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 the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor O’Leary declared an interest in relation to item 7 as it was an area of his published research and had previously advised on the National Residential Landlords Association on Section 21 notices.

In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Goldsmith declared, in relation to item 7, that he was a landlord for a property within Cheshire East. 

In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Jefferay declared, in relation to item 7, that he was a landlord for a property within Cheshire East.

In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Dean declared, in relation to item 7, that he was a landlord for a property owned by his wife, within Cheshire East.

In the interests of openness and transparency Councillor Adams declared, in relation to item 7, she was a landlord of a property in Disley.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 March 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

In accordance with paragraph 2.24 of the Committee Procedure Rules and Appendix on Public Speaking, set out in the Constitution, a total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to put questions to the Committee on any matter relating to this agenda. Each member of the public will be allowed up to two minutes to speak; the Chair will have discretion to vary this 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.

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.

Ms L Burns addressed the committee in relation to agenda item 5 (Adlington New Town – Response to Government Consultation) on behalf of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Cheshire Branch. Ms Burns highlighted what she considered to be an error and inconsistency within the draft response, particularly the identification of Adlington as having positive features despite the Council’s stating objection to the proposal. Ms Burns also expressed concern that several consultation questions had not been fully addressed, including those relating to environmental impacts, the Strategic Environmental Assessment, design quality and climate change, and suggested that key issues such as the loss of agricultural land, impacts on ancient woodland, hydrology and geological constraints had been omitted. She urged Members to strengthen the Council’s response and referred the Committee to CPRE Cheshire Branch’s detailed consultation submission for further consideration.

Mr K Awan addressed the Committee in relation to the proposed Adlington New Town – government consultation response and the Peak Cluster report. Mr Awan urged Members to ensure that the Council’s response to the Government consultation was robust and could not be construed as supporting incremental or smaller-scale development. He expressed concern that any ambiguity could expose residents to risks arising from future planning or infrastructure legislation. Mr Awan raised strong objections to the proposed carbon dioxide pipeline, which he described as posing significant safety, environmental and humanitarian risks, and argued that the technology involved remained insufficiently tested. He stated that the project would result in unacceptable impacts on green belt land, wildlife and local communities, and asserted that residents should not be subjected to what he characterised as a high-risk environmental experiment. While acknowledging the need for carbon reduction measures, he emphasised opposition to approaches that, in his view, disproportionately affected local populations.

To consider a report on the government consultation to New Towns.

The Committee considered a report on the Government’s consultation on proposals for a New Town at Adlington, which followed the work of the New Towns Taskforce established in July 2024. Although Adlington had been identified by the Taskforce as one of 12 potential locations, Members noted that Full Council had unanimously resolved in December 2025 to object to the proposal, citing significant concerns about impact on the green belt, rural communities, infrastructure capacity, public services, and the lack of early engagement. It was further noted that, while Adlington was not included in the seven locations shortlisted by Government in March 2026, it remained referenced in the consultation as an alternative location, making a formal response by the Council appropriate.

Members questioned officers on the Council’s draft response to the Government’s New Towns consultation, raising concerns about clarity, consistency and requiring the response to be more substantial and robust. Questions were also asked about progress on the investigation into the letter previously sent to the New Towns Task Force, with officers confirming that an independent investigator had been commissioned and that a report was expected by the end of May.

A number of Members expressed strong cross?party views that the draft response should more clearly and emphatically reflect the Council’s unanimous opposition to an Adlington New Town, including clearer reference to infrastructure capacity, environmental impacts and alignment with Government objectives, while acknowledging word?limit constraints in the consultation template. It was agreed that officers should explore further the word-limit constraint and the option to submit supporting documentation alongside this as part of the consultation.

It was agreed that Members would share any specific feedback and changes they felt should be made to the Executive Director – Place as soon as possible, so that the response could be redrafted before the final submission deadline of 19 May 2026.

It was highlighted that the consultation was public, and all were encouraged to make their own individual submissions.

An amendment was proposed, seconded and accepted by the Committee as a friendly amendment, in relation to recommendation 2 as set out below.

Recommendation 2:

1.    To delegate to the Interim Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition, to revise and then submit the draft response by 19 May 2026 to the Government’s consultation on the new towns programme.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

2.    Note the consultation document from Government relating to the proposed new towns with particular reference to the proposal for Adlington.

3.    To delegate to the Interim Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition, to revise and then submit the draft response by 19^th May 2026 to the Government’s consultation on the new towns programme.

To receive an update on Peak Cluster.

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the Peak Cluster project, a nationally significant infrastructure proposal to capture carbon dioxide emissions from cement and lime production in Derbyshire and Staffordshire and transport them via pipeline for permanent storage beneath the Irish Sea. It was noted that the project would be progressed through the Development Consent Order process and that Cheshire East Council’s role would be as a host authority and statutory consultee. Members were advised that a potential pipeline route would cross Cheshire East, with the final route and locations of above-ground installations yet to be confirmed and subject to further consultation.

Councillor L Smetham addressed the Committee as a visiting Member and asked what the financial benefit of the programme would be to Cheshire East.

Councillor K Edwards addressed the Committee as a visiting Member and welcomed the report. Cllr Edwards highlighted the potential impact on Bollington, and that whist Cheshire East was not the decision-maker of this programme, it had significant responsibilities in relation to consultation and absorbing residents views and assessing the long-term gain. Cllr Edwards spoke in relation to safety and environmental issues and urged the Committee to ensure that full communication and consultation would be carried out.

Councillor Corcoran addressed the Committee as a visiting Member and spoke in support of the report. Cllr Corcoran highlighted climate change as a key challenge and emphasised the importance of using a range of methods to reduce carbon emissions. Councillor Corcoran explained that the proposed carbon capture and storage pipeline would transport captured carbon dioxide and store it safely beneath the Irish Sea, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint across Cheshire. He noted that he was not aware of any viable alternative solutions currently available and described the project as innovative. Councillor Corcoran also highlighted the potential spin?out benefits for local businesses, which could connect to the pipeline infrastructure to capture and transport their carbon dioxide emissions. Councillor Corcoran queried the next steps if the recommendations were approved.

An amendment was proposed, seconded, and subsequently lost following a debate and vote, as set out below:

3. Note that a further report will be presented to Full Council for full debate to form part of the next consultation, and the report will identify the impacts and benefits to enable a consultation response reflecting the Council’s position to be submitted.

Members raised concerns regarding the Phase 1 consultation and the quality of engagement undertaken. Officers confirmed that the Council was a statutory consultee and advised that feedback on the consultation, including concerns raised by Members, would be formally provided to Government and shared with the Peak Cluster project team.

Members queried the potential costs to the Council arising from the project, including officer time and resources associated with preparing and submitting plans and responses to the Planning Inspectorate. Members asked that these costs could be worked up in more detail. Officers advised that an economic impact assessment had not yet been undertaken. It was noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider a report on the Housing Enforcement Policy.

The Committee considered a report seeking approval of a revised Housing Enforcement Policy in advance of the commencement of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 on 1 May 2026. It was noted that the Council had a statutory duty to enforce the new legislation and that the existing policies, approved in 2021 and 2022, required replacement to reflect the significant changes introduced by the Act and the latest statutory guidance issued by Government.

The revised policy set out the Council’s approach to enforcement in the private rented sector, including the use of civil penalties, prosecution, and other regulatory tools, and provides clarity for landlords, managing agents and tenants on what they could expect from the Council.

Members noted that the revised policy strengthened protections for private tenants, including measures relating to security of tenure, standards of accommodation and fair treatment, and supported the Council’s wider objectives around community stability, health and wellbeing.

RESOLVED (by majority):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1.    Approve the revised Housing Enforcement Policy.

2.    Authorise the Director of Growth and Enterprise, in consultation with the appropriate Portfolio Holder / Cabinet Member, to make further amendments to the Policy to ensure ongoing compliance with further changes in the Renters’ Rights Act and statutory guidance.

To consider a report on Crewe growth.

The Committee considered the report providing an overview of the future potential growth of Crewe, setting out the strategic context for development over the medium to long term. The report highlighted Crewe’s role as a key growth location within the borough, with opportunities linked to housing delivery, employment, regeneration of the town centre, transport connectivity and major public sector investment.

Members acknowledged and welcomed the ambition to support sustainable growth that strengthened Crewe’s economy, improved quality of place and connectivity, and aligned with wider regeneration and infrastructure programmes. Members agreed that a timeline for action was essential.

The Committee agreed it was equally important to seek similar growth opportunities across the wider borough, noting the announcement made earlier in the week that AstraZeneca had confirmed a major new investment in UK life sciences.

During the debate, the motions set out within the report were proposed and seconded with a number of amendments as set out below.

-       an amendment was proposed, in relation to recommendation 1 to change ‘note’ to ‘acknowledge’.

-       an amendment was proposed to recommendation 3 and 2 to add in the words ‘in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder.

-       an amendment was proposed in relation to recommendation 5, to remove note and replace with ‘provide a plan for the engagement.

-       an amendment was proposed to add an additional recommendation as set out below.

A further recommendation was proposed and seconded as set out below:

To undertake the feasibility work for a city plan and associated plans as indicated in paragraph 56 of the report. That a report be brought forward on the timescale and potential costs to the relevant Portfolio Holders in Autum 2026.

It was agreed that consideration should be given to a borough-wide Annual Statement Position report, covering current and future growth opportunities being presented to Cabinet on a quarterly basis, and to full Council annually.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1. Acknowledge the emerging growth opportunities in Crewe and the need for further evaluation and feasibility to ensure Crewe’s growth is optimised.

2. Authorise feasibility work to be undertaken to assess the potential for growth, including any additional road & rail infrastructure opportunities, and engage with investors/developers to ensure a coherent, planned approach to any future potential development.

3. Delegate authority to the Executive Director-Place to submit proposals for external funding in relation to 2), in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder

4. Delegate authority to the Executive Director-Place and Executive Director Resources to approve Supplementary Capital or Revenue Estimates in relation to external funding secured in relation to 2) and 3) in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s).

5. Provide a plan for the engagement and that a further review of engagement with Crewe members, residents, businesses, Crewe Town Board and stakeholders will be undertaken and a report on next steps and progress will be brought back to Cabinet.

6. To undertake the feasibility work for a city plan and associated plans as indicated in paragraph 56 of the report. That a report be brought  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To consider the report on the management structure within Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report on the proposed senior management structure within Children’s Services. Members were advised that the proposed arrangements were intended to provide clear leadership, strengthen governance and accountability, and support the ongoing improvement and transformation of Children’s Services, in line with statutory responsibilities and corporate priorities. The report set out the rationale for the structure, including the need to ensure sufficient capacity, resilience and clarity of roles to support service delivery and improvement activity.

In considering the report, the Committee noted the importance of stable and effective leadership in driving sustained improvement within Children’s Services and supporting positive outcomes for children and families. Members also noted that the proposed arrangements included a temporary senior Director of Corporate Parenting role, funded by central government.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee recommend that full Council:

1.    Agree the proposed change to the senior management staffing structure for Children’s Services.

2.    Approves in principle a new temporary post, where the remuneration will be more than £100,000 per annum.