Flint in eco-town threat

Housing minister Caroline Flint has threatened to pull the plug on any eco town proposals that fail to meet the "highest possible standards for sustainability".

The minister was commenting after a panel she established to examine the 15 shortlisted proposals reported back with its verdict on the various plans.

While it was complimentary of many of the blueprints, others came in for criticism and Ms Flint has urged these to improve if they are to have any hope of being selected.

She said: "Some clearly need to up their game and the ball is now in their court."

The government's plan is for ten of the 15 proposals to be chosen, but Ms Flint's comments suggest that less than this may be built, should fewer than ten come up to the standard required.

One of those proposals that may be under threat is the site near Harborough in Leicestershire.

This was criticised in a parliamentary debate last week by local MP Edward Garnier, on the grounds that it would have negative ecological, flood-risk and traffic congestion consequences, the Harborough Mail reports.

Aspiring eco home owners who are unable to move into one because their local eco town project is rejected may be able to achieve their aim through the self build method of creating such a home.