CPRE in new eco towns criticism

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has issued a statement criticising the government's plans to create ten new eco towns and has called for a major re-think.

As protestors against the developments prepare to hold marches in Westminster, CPRE head of planning Marina Pacheco said the body favours the concept of the towns in principle, but added: "We now believe we have been led astray."

The CPRE listed a number of concerns about the plans, such as the potential loss of greenfield sites, location away from existing settlements and the consequent dependence on cars, a lack of extra water and sewerage capacity in the east of England and a lack of information for local people whose views are being canvassed.

Ms Pacheco concluded that the government should go "back to the drawing board".

Should the opposition to eco-towns mean less green homes becoming available in the near future, those wanting to live in a more environmentally-friendly house may choose to self build their own.

At the weekend the Independent reported that because six of the eco town proposals are on Ministry of Defence land their sale could be worth as much as £275 million for the Treasury.