Eco Town Critcism

There has been more criticism for the Eco Towns in the press over the weekend.

The schemes have come under both national and local scrutiny since they were proposed. Local objections to most of the schemes was probably expected, as any new development would.

The concern that has been raised this weekend is that the Eco Towns are simply not very green. The onus has been put on the developers to come up with schemes that are as eco-friendly as possible. Given the remote location of most of the towns, relative to the local conurbations, transport is cited as being the principle concern.

The proposal for Middle Quinton, strongly opposed by actors Dame Judi Dench and John Nettles, and possibly the subject of a legal challenge by protesters, is commended for an aim of 100% recycling and no waste to landfill, although transport is considered to be a problem.

Critics of the eco-towns policy warn they could become little more than slightly greened commuter towns. But the housing minister, Caroline Flint, said: "I have been clear from the start that only those bids that reach the highest standards for sustainability can make it through. The panel had challenged developers where there was room for improvement. Some clearly need to up their game and the ball is now in their court."

And so it continues..