Eco-towns
Thursday, 03 Apr 2008 09:56
Final ten sites to be chosen from shortlist
The first 15 locations shortlisted for eco-towns have been announced by the government.
As well as pushing the government's environmental agenda, they mark the first new towns created in 40 years.
The government argues they will both help to tackle climate change and ease the housing crisis.
The final ten locations will be finalised over the next six months.
A further 42 locations were rejected, including controversial sites in Oxfordshire, Derbyshire and Hampshire.
Critics had argued the proposed eco-towns in fact threatened the environment, being built on greenbelt land, posing a risk to wildlife or overturning previous planning decisions.
The 15 shortlisted locations are: Bordon, Coltishall, Curborough, Elsenham, Ford in West Sussex, Hanley Grange, Imerys, Leeds and Manby, Marston Vale and New Marston in Bedfordshire, Middle Quinton, Pennbury, Rossington, Rushcliffe and Weston Otmoor.
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