The Government has responded to growing opposition to eco towns by publishing research showing the public support the proposed developments by a ratio of five-to-one. With the first stage of public consultation closing this week, a growing number of councils have rejected proposals for eco towns in their areas, and East Lindsey District Council has withdrawn its bid for a site in Lincolnshire. But a YouGov survey shows ‘clear support in favour of eco towns’ by the general public. Housing minister, Caroline Flint, said: ‘We recognise some people have concerns, but this research underlines the recognition among the public of the importance of building more affordable homes, and their support for the idea of an eco town in the local area.’ The survey found 46% of adults supported eco towns, compared with 9% who opposed them. And a ratio of two-to-one said they would support the development of an eco town within five miles of home. However, the public appear out of sync with authorities. East Lindsey, the only council to submit an eco town bid, said it would now ‘develop its work with partners to address the issues of affordable housing, skills, investment and coastal flood defences’, in a decision backed by Lincolnshire County Council. A number of other county councils have confirmed they will oppose developments within their boundaries, including Essex, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire. Most cite the potential impact on the road network and public transport network. Only Hampshire County Council has backed a local eco town proposal. The Campaign to Protect Rural England this week called on the Government to focus on one or two ‘exemplary’ schemes, scrap sub-standard proposals and rethink its eco town programme. Marina Pacheco, CPRE’s head of planning, said: ‘What will this programme deliver? It appears increasingly to be about spin with very little substance.’