Minister speaks out for eco towns

Housing minister Caroline Flint has defended the government's eco town plans in an article written for a regional newspaper.

Writing for the Yorkshire post, Ms Flint said the towns have a major part to play in resolving the housing shortage in the county.

She also used the article to deny suggestions that the towns might be forced on areas without going through the proper planning process - citing the move of allowing the various councils making up the city region based around Leeds to divide their own ideas for an eco town there, something she said was an "excellent example" of how to let local authorities take a lead.

Ms Flint also countered suggestions that such towns would be environmentally harmful or detached from infrastructure, stating: "I do not want to see an eco town built which leaves a transport infrastructure unable to cope, or damages the character of rural communities."

One of the sites being considered in the Leeds area is at the former coal mining site of Gascoigne Wood near Selby, which has now gained the support of local MP John Grogan, the York Press reports.

Those not living near a proposed eco town may wish to play their own part in living a greener life by building their own eco home.