5
Nov
Minister states backing for eco-towns
Housing minister Margaret Beckett has voiced her support for
eco-towns as she launched the next phase of the consultation
process into the proposed new settlements.
Ms Beckett, who replaced Caroline Flint in the role in September,
emphasised that she shared her predecessor's enthusiasm for such
towns by linking them with the government's wider green
objectives.
She stated: "Developing a greener approach to our housing need is
crucial and eco-towns are a vital part of this programme."
The minister stated that issues such as getting the location of
eco-towns right were vital and acknowledged that some projects may
be rejected because they do not meet the strict criteria.
Responding to the announcement, Town and Country Planning
Association chief executive Gideon Amos said the principles behind
eco-towns should be applied to existing towns and cities.
By doing this, new developments in such localities could become
"eco-burbs and urban eco-quarters," he stated.
