LGA warns over creation of 'eco-slums'

The Local Government Authority (LGA) has warned the government its proposals for eco-friendly homes could end in the creation of ten 'eco-slums'.

Warning the plans for the development of ten new eco-towns were "seriously flawed", the LGA argues local democracy and planning processes are being by-passed to impose the schemes on an unwilling public.

"The whole planning process is undemocratic. The government are the promoters of this scheme but they are also the judge and jury," said councillor Gillian Brown of Arun district council, when asked about the proposal to build one of the new developments at Ford, West Sussex.

"They will decide whether it will go forward to the next stage. We are just consultees."

The report - Eco-Towns, back to the future? – finds the government has not learned the lessons from the creation of the last generation of new-towns, which included Milk and Beans.

While initially choosing "highly unsuitable locations", eco-towns will also have unelected management bodies to help develop and manage them, effectively neutering the role of local government, argues the LGA.

"Councils are determined to fight their corner because they know only too well that by-passing the planning process will allow developments to be built in isolated areas without the essential facilities needed by people in their everyday lives," said Sir Simon Milton, chairman of the LGA.

"These schemes are set to include up to 50 per cent social housing, but could become eco-slums of the future if they are built without regard to where residents can get to jobs or training."

Plans bypass usual planning process and ride roughshod over locally agreed development plans, argues the LGA, with previously rejected settlements now back on the agenda, having been repackaged as eco-towns.

"If eco-towns become dormitory towns with poor public transport connections, any carbon reduction achieved by the design of home and community facilities will be more than offset by people driving miles to buy a loaf of bread or take their children to school," argued Mr Milton.

"Added to that, developers are concerned that the highest criteria for zero-carbon homes could add £30,000 to building costs. Housing minister Caroline Flint has admitted that the new homes could be built at a much lower standard, little different to those set for all new development.

"Without local councils being involved in their development, the future looks bleak for eco-towns and for those who will have to live in them."

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has also joined criticism of the scheme.

"Criticism of eco-towns proposals from the LGA shows that the government must reconsider its proposals and the way they are being put in place," said James Rowlands, Rics policy officer.

"The isolated nature of eco-towns coupled with a lack of facilities and reliance on private car use means they run the risk of suffering from social problems. The Government must consider eco-extensions to existing towns or eco-quarters within cities to prevent the creation of 'eco-slums'."

Chris O'Toole