Norton Rose Fulbright advises Adlington New Town Task and Finish Group on new town planning proposals

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright is advising the Adlington New Town Task and Finish Group on navigating the UK government's new town planning proposals.

The Adlington New Town Task and Finish Group, comprising of six Town and Parish Councils, was founded in response to the UK governments recommended 12 shortlisted new town locations.

The 12 new towns shortlisted include sites which are green field or green belt, as well as others which involve urban regeneration. The UK government is commencing a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and, if required, an appropriate assessment (AA) under the Habitat Regulations of the proposed sites.

The Norton Rose Fulbright team supporting the Adlington New Town Task and Finish Group is led by Sarah Fitzpatrick, Head of Planning UK. The team is advising the coalition on planning legislation and the new town proposals, as well as the final SEA and AA when published.

Sarah Fitzpatrick commented:

"We are delighted to support the Adlington New Town Task and Finish Group during this pivotal stage. It is vital that all planning proposals for any of the 12 towns included on the shortlist are subject to careful legal scrutiny and robust environmental assessment. We expect to be busy reviewing the final SEA outcomes in 2026, when we will possibly see more groups formed of affected landowners, local authorities, or Town and Parish Councils. It is important that impacts on existing communities are carefully considered and impacts mitigated and balanced."