Flint visits eco-town site

Michael Donnelly, PlanningResource, 23 June 2008

Caroline Flint

The minister intends to visit all 15 proposed eco-town sites over the summer before the final shortlist of ten is announced.

Speaking after her visit, Flint said: "It has been very important for me today to hear the views of different groups, and to see the proposed site for myself. I hope these meetings have helped to quell some of the myths that have been circulating.

"There is certainly no "done deal" for developers, and I think today's meeting has helped underline that fact. There is clearly a need for more housing in the region, but we are currently in the first of two consultations before deciding up to ten potential locations for eco-towns across the country.

“If Coltishall makes that final shortlist, the developers will still need to go through the planning process, and will be subject to full public consultation."

A consultation on the principle of an eco-town at each location closes next week.

Next month the government will consult on a detailed assessment of each location and the proposed standards that an eco-town would have to meet.