Assembly rejects four eco town proposals for east

16 July 2008

The East of England Assembly has rejected proposals for four eco towns in the region, citing poor links to public transport.

The assembly is concerned the planning system is being bypassed, and that the proposals for eco towns in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk are unsustainable.

It raised concerns in the public consultation that the 50,000 new homes are not linked to jobs and public transport, and could become dormitory towns with high levels of commuting by car.
Cllr Derrick Ashley, chairman of the assembly’s planning panel said: ‘The Government should halt this dash for eco towns before more money and effort is wasted. The public want high environmental standards for all new housing, not speculative development in unsuitable locations.

‘Proposals for new settlements in the region should be decided through the assembly by local councils and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth in appropriate locations,’ he added.

Under this system, EERA has already planned for two new settlements at Northstowe in Cambridgeshire, and Wixams in Bedfordshire, as part of the East of England Plan. The assembly believes the eco town decision-making process should be transferred to its review of the East of England Plan, which will identify the region’s housing needs up to 2031.

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

Assembly rejects four eco town proposals for east

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login