Government extends eco-town consultation

Last month pressure group Better Accessible Responsible Development challenged the scheme in the High Court on the grounds that there had not been sufficient consultation, but its case was rejected.

The Communities and Local Government department has now decided to give residents around the 11 shortlisted sites more time to respond to consultation on the draft Planning Policy Statement and Sustainability Appraisal on eco-towns.

The deadline has been extended to 30 April, meaning it will run to more than five months.

Housing minister Margaret Beckett said eco-towns presented ‘a superb opportunity’ for affordable, green housing.

‘It is vital we identify the right locations for these eco-towns and I will not support any proposal that our assessment and consultation concludes is unsuitable,’ she said.

‘I know this is an issue that raises a lot of strong opinion on all sides. I have extended the deadline to ensure that all parties, irrespective of their views, are given the full opportunity to have their say.’

An assessment of the viability of the Middle Quinton eco-town proposal, commissioned by six local councils in the Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire area, has concluded that the development would create a deficit of £373 million.

Consultancy CB Richard Ellis said the difference between the level of subsidy councils could expect, and the cost of building transport and education facilities, is unsustainable. The findings will be sent to CLG.

Councillor Charles Gillams, chair of the councils’ Eco-Town Joint Working Group said: ‘The independent assessment confirms our long held doubts about the viability of an eco-town in this location.’

The six authorities were Cotswold District Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Wychavon District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Warwickshire County Council and Worcestershire County Council.

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