Flint prepares eco-town roadshow

Michael Donnelly, PlanningResource, 27 June 2008

The second phase of consultation on the plans to deliver the controversial developments, will involve a series of roadshows taking place around the 15 short listed sites to provide further information to the public; and a further three months of public consultation on top of the sustainability assessment on the potential locations; and a draft planning policy statement on eco-towns.
 
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. "

The third stage (in the autumn of 2008) will see the publication of the final shortlist of locations with potential to be an eco-town.

The final stage involves the consideration of planning applications for the individual schemes by local authorities.