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Eco-towns proposals move one step closer

Eco-towns proposals move one step closer

Thursday, 31 July 2008 12:00 AM

A new report examining the remaining eco-town proposals presented to the government has found "significant progress" in their development, ahead of the final selection.

Some 15 proposals remain on the table, with as many as ten to be built. Those still in contention have been assessed by the Eco-Town Challenge Panel, which reports today.

The panel - an independent group of experts in sustainability and urban development - finds many of the bidders have responded positively to the first set of recommendations, published last May.

However, there were calls for further improvements to the transport and employment strategies for a number of the proposed eco-towns.

"The progress made over the past few weeks demonstrates the willingness of the promoters to react to the expert advice they have been given," said housing minister Caroline Flint.

"But there are no done deals and only the best quality schemes with very high sustainability standards will qualify for eco-town status."

The remaining proposals include those at Pennbury, Rossington, Marston Vale and St Austell - with each receiving tailored criticism from the panel, allowing the proposals to move forward.

The selection of the final towns which will be built is expected during early 2009. Each proposal will then be submitted for local planning permission.

Eco-towns are part of a wider government strategy to build some two million new homes by 2016, with a further one million, carbon-neutral, properties added by 2020.

The government has also announced all commercial property must be carbon neutral by 2019.

"Many of the proposals have shown significant and encouraging progress during those few weeks," said John Walker, chairman of the Eco-town Challenge Panel.

"In all cases, the panel made suggestions about where it believes further progress is most needed, and has encouraged the direction in which much of the work is going.

"It is now for the proposers to consider whether and how to respond to these comments through the further development of their ideas."

For further information visit the Department for Communities and Local Government website.

Chris O'Toole