Eco-towns statement due soon as MPs voice concerns

Ministers expect to publish a shortlist of eco-town schemes for consultation shortly, following a cross-Government review.

As part of the review proposals are being assessed against the criteria set out in the Eco-towns Prospectus, and this includes transport, land use and the infrastructure needed to make the development deliverable and sustainable.

Junior planning minister Iain Wright told Parliament that this exercise, which has involved Government departments, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Regional Assemblies and development agencies, will exclude sites "where there are too many showstoppers to allow development to take place".

Following that process the Government plans to publish a shorter list than the 50-plus currently being considered.

The minister's comments came during a Commons adjournment debate requested by Edward Garnier MP. The Co-op has proposed an eco-town in his Harborough constituency.

The subject was also raised during Prime Minister's questions on 6 February when Conservative backbencher Peter Luff MP, chair of a Commons select committee, called on the premier to rule out proposals for Luff's Mid-Worcestershire constituency and in the nearby Stratford-on-Avon constituency.

The PM declined. He told the Commons. "There have been 60 applications for eco-towns, so it does not sound as though they are unpopular - it sounds as though they are popular.  Once again, the Conservative Party is on the wrong side of the argument."

See Commons debate report in Hansard (29 January, col 287)

See PM's questions report in Hansard (Feb 6 2008, col 957)

Roger Milne

7 February 2008