01/11/2025
TRICK OR TREAT FROM CHESHIRE EAST?
Poynton Town Council has been approached by Cheshire East Council to consider taking over ownership of Poynton Pool. The approach was made on Wednesday, 15th October 2025; however, no supporting details were provided at that time. Within days of this request, Cheshire East Council re-opened the planning application concerning proposed works to the Pool’s embankment.
In response, Poynton Town Council convened an emergency meeting along with representatives from Friends of Poynton Pool on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, to discuss the proposal. At the meeting, councillors agreed that—given the significant financial, management, and logistical implications—the Town Council is not currently in a position to make a decision regarding the transfer of ownership.
It was resolved that the Town Clerk is authorised to undertake full due diligence on the proposal to ensure all potential risks, costs, and responsibilities are clearly understood. Once all relevant information is available, the Town Council will review the matter further. A formal request for additional information has been submitted to Cheshire East Council, along with a request to defer the planning application to allow time for proper assessment of the proposal.
While the transfer of ownership of the Pool to the Town Council may appear to be a straightforward solution to avoid the proposed embankment works, recent inspections indicate that substantial works will still be required under the Reservoir Act. The associated costs could run into millions of pounds, money which the Town Council does not currently have. Before assuming such a responsibility, the Town Council must be confident about the financial implications for the community which might be significant.
Poynton Town Council remains committed to protecting and preserving Poynton Pool as an important local asset and will continue to keep residents informed as further information becomes available.
