TCPA calls for openness over eco-town policy

Monday, 30 June 2008 12:00 AM

The Town and Council Planning Authority (TCPA) has called for all sides of the eco-town debate to be heard.

As the second phase of consultation over the new towns begins, the TCPA is anxious the minority groups are given a hearing.

"The voices of those without a home can barely be heard above those already comfortably housed - it's our responsibility to hear their side of the argument too," argued TCPA chief executive Gideon Amos.

"The one voice in all this that the press has failed to report is that of the young woman who recently told a Leicestershire eco-town public meeting: 'I need a home and want to live in an eco-town - where can I put my name down?' Her voice needs to be heard."

The government presently plans to build ten new eco-settlements, with 15 locations in contention.

It is hoped the towns will assist the government to meet its housing targets, which will see three million new homes built before 2020.

"Keeping homes and people out of the countryside will be at the expense of those living in towns and cities who will have to accept the continuing loss of open spaces and developments now described as 'super density'," added Mr Amos.

"High rise urban blocks only work as an alternative for the minority - those with families deserve the green spaces and decent homes that eco-towns could offer."

However, eco-towns have not been universally acclaimed and have attracted controversy.

"Eco towns are a misguided attempt to provide more homes on the premise that they will be beacons of sustainability," said Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

"There is also the issue about the role of small contractors in this whole debate or rather their absence.

"Handing out massive contracts like this not only discriminates against all the smaller, more innovative, green construction building companies springing up around the country, but also leaves open the possibility of bad decisions multiplied on a grand scale meaning things go wrong in a big way too."

In response, the FMB argues a national patchwork of smaller eco-projects, with contracts awarded by local regions and communities for both new homes would be a more appropriate course of action.

However, the organisation could be in the minority.

Mintel research released today finds support for eco-towns outnumbers opposition by a ratio of five to one - underlining public support for eco-towns with 46 per cent of adults surveyed supporting their development and only nine per cent opposing.

Chris O'Toole

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