Eco-town shortlist

Eco-town shortlist revealed

The Government has named 15 potential locations for further detailed consideration as eco-towns in England.

Communities and Local Government has stressed that none of the proposed new homes will be built on Green Belt land and that at least 30 per cent of the housing will be affordable.

Publication of the shortlisted locations has indicated that they make significant use of previously developed brownfield land including former MoD land, military depots, disused airfields and former collieries and industrial sites.

More than 40 proposals have not been taken forward. Ministers decided that some were undeliverable or not ambitious enough to meet the high environmental and affordability standards set by the Government.

Housing and planning minister Caroline Flint has announced that a panel of experts will be set up to help developers improve their proposals and ensure the final eco-towns incorporate the best and most innovative proposals for sustainable living.

She said: "We have a major shortfall of housing and with so many buyers struggling to find suitable homes, more affordable housing is a huge priority. To face up to the threat of climate change, we must also cut the carbon emissions from our housing. Eco-towns will help solve both of these challenges.

"Building in existing towns and cities alone simply cannot provide enough new homes. I understand this is an issue that can raise strong opinions, but everyone now has the opportunity to express their views before any decisions are made - because this is an issue that affects us all."

The minister added: "Some really innovative green ideas have been proposed - from free public transport for all residents to using the waste heat from nearby power stations to heat homes and businesses. But I am setting the bar high and challenging bidders to go further.

"I have already rejected more than 40 proposals and those promoting eco-town schemes cannot rest on their laurels. That is why I want a panel of experts challenging developers to meet the highest standards possible for sustainability, affordability and creativity."

Ministers will now consult widely on the shortlisted locations with a final shorlist due to be published later this year after which each potential eco-town will need to submit a planning application.

A total of 57 initial proposals were received from local authorities and developers across the country. The 15 shortlisted locations are:

• Pennbury, Leicestershire: 12-15,000 homes on a development incorporating brownfield, greenfield and surplus public sector land four miles south east of Leicester.
• Manby and Strubby, Lincolnshire: 5,000 homes put forward by East Lindsey District Council on two sites, with large elements of brownfield land including a former RAF base.
• Curborough, Staffordshire: 5,000 homes on the brownfield site of the former Fradley airfield, ten miles from Burton.
• Middle Quinton, Warwickshire: 6,000 homes on a former Royal Engineers depot which has a rail link to the Worcester-London rail line and is six miles south west of Stratford upon Avon.
• Bordon-Whitehill, Hampshire: 5-8,000 homes on a site owned by the Ministry of Defence. A significant number of ex-MoD homes are already on the site, west of Whitehill-Bordon.
• Weston Otmoor, Oxfordshire: 10-15,000 homes on a site adjoining the M40 and the Oxford-Bicester railway. Three miles south west of Bicester, the site includes a current airstrip.
• Ford, West Sussex: 5,000 homes on a site which includes brownfield land and the former Ford airfield. Close to rail line linking London and the Sussex coast.
• Imerys China Clay Community, Cornwall: Development of around 5,000 homes on former china clay workings, industrial land and disused mining pits no longer needed by owner Imerys. The site is close to St Austell.
• Rossington, South Yorkshire: Up to 15,000 homes regenerating the former colliery village of Rossington, three miles south of Doncaster.
• Coltishall, Norfolk: 5,000 homes on a former RAF airfield, eight miles north of Norwich.
• Hanley Grange, Cambridgeshire: 8,000 homes on land adjacent to the A11.
• Marston Vale and New Marston, Bedfordshire: up to 15,400 homes on a series of sites, including former industrial sites, along the east-west rail line to Stewartby and Millbrook.
• Elsenham, Essex: a minimum of 5,000 homes north east of the existing Elsenham village. Close to M11 and the London to Cambridge rail line.
• Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire: An eco-town proposal was submitted for Kingston-on-Soar, to the south of Nottingham. In response to representations from Rushcliffe Borough Council, this site is not to be pursued. However, the Government is proposing to carry out a further review in partnership with the council to consider whether there is a suitable alternative location.
• Leeds City Region, Yorkshire: a number of eco-town proposals were submitted for locations within the area of Leeds City Region partnership of 11 authorities, principally between Leeds and Selby. The Leeds City Region Partnership has indicated support in principle for an eco-town within the sub-region. The Partnership has proposed a further study to compare the best alternative locations across the area. The Government has agreed to support this approach, on the basis that it will allow a further announcement to be made shortly of one or more sites for consultation.