Minister announces eco-towns shortlist

Housing minister Caroline Flint has revealed the shortlist of potential eco-towns from which the final ten will be chosen.

Ms Flint said there were 15 possible sites remaining from the original 57 proposals, with those which have progressed to this round offering large commitments to the reuse of brownfield sites and former Ministry of Defence land.

The latter case includes locations such as the former RAF base at Coltishall in Norfolk.

Enthusiasts for eco-towns have welcomed the news, with Gideon Amos, chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, commenting that eco homes were an "essential part of the solution to the problem of delivering affordable homes at the highest environmental standards to families and households crying out for decent home in a good environment".

Mr Amos added that he wanted to see more eco towns.

However, the rejection of 42 sites means the hopes of some that there would be more eco homes available in their area have been ended for the time being.

One solution for people in this situation may be to self build their own eco homes.


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