Government announces 'eco-town' sites
The government has revealed 15 sites that have been shortlisted for potential 'eco-towns'.
It will be the first time in 15 years that new towns have been built in England and ministers will decide on a final ten sites. Five of the new towns will be built by 2016 with the other half completed by 2020.
Caroline Flint, Housing minister, told the BBC: "We have a housing shortage in this country and that's why we need to build more homes."
She pointed out that the new towns would help to tackle climate change as well as provide affordable new housing.
The new towns, of between 5,000 and 20,000 homes, will have to be carbon-zero and up to 50 per cent will have to be designated as affordable homes, according to ministerial figures.
Local opposition is expected around the proposed sites and the Government has assured critics that the 'eco-towns' will go through the normal planning process which allows the right to challenge the plans.
Article Date: 03 April 2008
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