Calls for eco-towns in south-east

Tuesday, 04, Mar 2008 09:08

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has called for the south-east of England to be urgently considered for the government's new eco-town initiative.

The Labour administration has pledged to complete ten such projects across the country by 2020, as part of a wider drive to build three million new homes over the next 12 years.

However, according the TCPA the south-east should be given priority due to the unique circumstances facing the region.

Some 14 million inhabitants presently reside in south-east England, creating immense demand for housing, according to the organization.

In addition, this population is increasing, with the effects of climate change also expected to play a role.

According to research from the Environment Agency, winters in the south-east will be warmer and wetter in the future, while summers will be hotter and drier, and air quality may worsen.

"The south-east region is facing the dual challenges of climate change and an unparalleled demand for new homes - driven by demographic and population factors, and a crisis of affordability," said TCPA chief executive, Gideon Amos.

"Water supply and quality is a particularly pertinent issue to the south-east, with summer rainfall decreasing water supplies will be put under increasing pressure and the greater risk of winter flooding may create water quality problems."

In response to the concerns the TCPA - along with homeless charity Shelter and the House Builders Federation (HBF) - will be speaking to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Homelessness and Housing Need today to discuss the opportunities eco-towns provide.

"We must plan for and adapt to regional climatic variations, ensuring sustainable housing growth and eco-towns are founded on the best environmental data and built to zero-carbon standards," concluded Mr Amos.