Eco Towns

The Government has announced plans for five eco-towns by 2016 and up to ten by 2020. The Imerys Eco Town bid is one of 15 submissions that have been short-listed by the Government for further consultation. Further information is available on Eco-towns from the websites listed below and the Government have provided the following statements in their publication 'Eco-towns: Living a greener future'.

Why do we need Eco-towns?

Eco-towns are a response to the challenges of climate change, the need for more sustainable living, and an acute housing shortage — including the need for more affordable housing particularly for families and first-time buyers.

What are Eco-towns?

Eco-towns will be:

• new settlements of between 5,000 and 20,000 homes, with good links to existing towns 
• affordable — up to 50 percent of the new homes will be affordable housing
• zero carbon — promoting sustainable and healthy living for existing and future generations 
• equipped with a secondary school, a medium scale retail centre, business space and leisure facilities
• developed with the community for the community

What has happened so far?

The Government’s consultation document “Eco-towns — Living a greener future”, invites views on the way in which the Eco-towns concept is being developed, the proposed benefits of Eco-towns and the challenges. It also seeks views on the 15 shortlisted
potential locations.

The initial proposals put forward by bidders for each of the locations have to demonstrate that each scheme:

• achieves the highest possible environmental standards, positively enhancing the site, as well as reducing the need for residents to rely on cars;
• is clear!y deliverable, with funding identified and proper management arrangements set out; 
• is affordable, with a clearly agreed basis for contributions from private investors and public sector agencies.

A panel of experts has been set up to advise and challenge bidders to improve the environmental credentials of each project. This is in addition to transport, sustainability and financial assessments.

What happens next?

Stage 1 - Initial consultation to 30 June for preliminary views on the vision for Eco-towns, and 15 potential locations.

Stage 2 - Further consultation from July to October on more detailed assessments of the 15 potential locations and on a draft Eco-towns policy statement;

Stage 3 - Publication in the autumn of the final list of locations with the potential to be an eco-town;

Stage 4 - Individual schemes will then need to submit planning applications, which will be decided on the merits of worked up proposals.

You can find out more information at the Governments own sites:
www.communities.gov.uk/ecotowns

Main Communities & Local Government page:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingsupply/ecotowns/

Communities & Local Government eco-town prospectus:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/ecotownsprospectus

Communities & Local Government Greener Future sub-page:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/ecotownsgreenerfuture