The second phase of consultation on the plans to deliver more affordable homes and tackle climate change, will involve a series of roadshows taking place around the short listed sites to provide further information to the public and listen to their views; and a further three months of public consultation on top of the detailed sustainability assessment on the potential locations; and a draft planning policy statement on eco-towns.
The sustainability appraisal will provide greater detail on environmental sustainability and other issues around the locations, and test them against reasonable alternatives.
The planning policy statement will create the right framework for consideration of eco-town planning applications, to ensure they meet the highest standards, with the best public transport links and strong employment opportunities. Both documents will be published next month.
Eco-towns are intended as a combined response to the challenges around climate change, the need for more sustainable living and the urgent need to increase housing supply for families and first-time buyers.
Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:
"We are running a rigorous process to decide which locations are selected to go forward to the next stage - proposals which do not deliver real benefits and do not meet the highest possible standards will not get through our scrutiny. The process is open, transparent and inclusive and we are testing every detail of the proposals with local authorities, stakeholders and local communities themselves
"Within the lively debate about eco-towns and housing growth more generally, I do want to ensure that all voices can be heard. We must not forget that whether it is in eco-towns or growth in existing settlements, we desperately need more homes. Public consultation cannot be about who shouts loudest. "
