TCPA demands eco-town inquiry

Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:00 AM

The Town & County Planning Association (TCPA) has reiterated its demands for a full public local inquiry to be held into any eco-town proposal not already allocated in a Development Plan.

While continuing to support the eco-town proposals in principal, the organisation - an independent campaigning charity calling for more integrated planning - demands the towns meet strict local criteria.

"Our members are clear - the highest standards can be and must be achieved in any eco-towns that go ahead but key safeguards are needed to the process and we are, therefore calling for a full public local inquiry in any location not already allocated for development," said TCPA chief executive, Gideon Amos.

The government announced there are to be ten eco-towns, accounting for as many as 200,000 new homes.

At present 15 proposals remain on the table, with ten to be selected for construction. Once selected, the government has pledged to submit all proposals to local planning application procedures.

It is hoped the towns will fulfill a dual role of lowering carbon emissions, and assisting the government in meeting its ambitious target to build three million new homes by 2020.

The TCPA, however, highlights that an inquiry could be provided following 'call in' of a planning application for determination by the Secretary of State.

An inquiry would be required by law if the provisions of the New Towns Act 1981 were used to determine whether the development should go ahead, since these guarantee a public inquiry if any objector desires one.

"Local authority led development plans remain the best way to bring forward all development," continued Mr Amos.

"However, it is often a painfully slow process and the government has chosen instead to act much faster because of the urgency of a changing climate and because of a shortage of family homes.

"This has raised concerns about whether planning applications will be decided on their merits."

Eco-towns have been attacked on a number of issues. For example, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) argues they will do little to reduce carbon emissions, as inhabitants will be forced to drive to local conurbations for additional resources.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has also pointed out it would be more efficient to repair existing housing stock, rather than begin afresh.

Chris O'Toole

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