Renovation better than eco towns, says FMB

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has argued that renovating existing homes is a better idea than building eco towns.

Speaking out against the plans, FMB director of external affairs Brian Berry said there are currently 675,000 empty homes in England alone, which he said were "all ripe for refitting with green technologies".

He argued that eco towns are a "misguided attempt to provide more homes on the premise that they will be beacons of sustainability".

Should more action be taken to renovate empty homes, such developments could provide good examples of how eco friendly home improvements can be carried out.

In the meantime, housing minister Caroline Flint has announced a series of roadshows will be held in the 15 locations where eco towns have been proposed.

She stated this will form part of the second phase of the process, with the final stage deciding which of the 15 are chosen to be built.