Respond to Caroline Flint MP

Minister for Housing, Caroline Flint MP, fronts the eco-town policy. She has made a number of comments about eco-towns which BARD seeks to address in their response to the DCLG. If you are writing a letter opposing the new town at Long Marston then perhaps you would like to address some of her points as well.

House of Commons statements:

1. “We have set out in the consultation document (Eco-Towns: Living a Greener Future) what needs to be achieved in terms of sustainable transport and this includes a significant reduction in car reliance.”
2. “Under the proposals […] planning applications for eco-towns will be submitted to the appropriate local authority”
3. "Successful schemes will need to show not only that they've fully involved the community in planning, but also that they will benefit through better transport, education or health services.”
4. “It is essential that the proposals for eco-towns not only meet high environmental standards but recognise where they sit in relation to other communities, particularly those that we seek to regenerate. It is also essential that they do not become simply commuter-belt communities, but have an identity of their own that includes homes, infrastructure and employment within the communities.”
5. “Part of the scrutiny for the eco-towns is to look at the housing supply and the housing need in the local communities where they will be placed, and we will look into that in great depth. One of the priorities for locations is housing need, and we cannot duck that because this is about homes for people who cannot get on the housing ladder and have a home of their choosing.”
6. “We would expect all applications for eco-towns to be considered as a normal planning application by the appropriate local planning authority unless called in by the Secretary of State. The Housing and Regeneration Bill currently being debated by this House includes provision which gives the Secretary of State the power to designate an area and confer local planning authority functions on the Homes and Communities Agency in relation to that area. There are currently no plans to use the designation power for the delivery of eco-towns.”
7. “Furthermore, when schemes are considered at the local level, as part of the local planning process, the community will be engaged on the strategy as well as any options for delivering the eco-town. The local planning authority must clearly show how it has taken the community's comments into account in developing its policy.”
8. “We have a major shortfall of housing and with so many buyers struggling to find suitable homes, more affordable housing is a huge priority. To face up to the threat of climate change, we must also cut the carbon emission from our housing. Eco-towns will help solve both these challenges. Building in existing towns and cities alone simply cannot provide enough new homes. I understand that this is an issue that can raise strong opinions, but everyone now has the opportunity to express their views before any decisions are made – because this is a decision that affects us all.”

Press statements:

1. “Eco-towns give us a unique opportunity to tackle two of the greatest challenges facing the country in tandem – the pressing need to confront climate change and deliver more affordable housing”. (Daily Mail, 3/04/08)
2. “Eco-towns must be designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability. They must lead the way in design, facilities and services, and above all in community involvement” (Worcester News, 15/02/08)
3. “They will test out new ways of designing and building towns to achieve zero carbon standards and promote more sustainable living”. (Sheffield Telegraph, 3/04/08)
4. “But do we need more houses round here? Like everywhere else in the country, the answer is clearly yes. Despite some of the claims I’ve read that there is no need for new local housing, both Curborough and Middle Quinton are in areas of very high housing pressure. Three thousand families around Stratford are on the waiting list for affordable housing, but only 170 affordable homes are being built a year. The proposed eco-town [at Middle Quinton] would build 2,000 affordable homes at a stroke” (Birmingham Post, 20/05/08)
5. So I have asked a panel of experts in design, transport and environmental sustainability to challenge developers to achieve the highest standards. They will work to make sure that each proposal is sensitive to the local environment, uses designs which people want to live in, and encourages the use of public transport. This is essential. But of course, the success of eco-towns doesn't just depend on expert opinion - it's about getting your voice heard. So I hope that everyone will take this opportunity to contribute to the public consultation. Is this a good location or not? What other facilities would the community need? Where should the transport links be placed? Your views on this are vital - because this is the future of your community we are talking about.” (Birmingham Post, 20/05/08)
6. “I have made absolutely clear that all eco-town bids will be subject to the proper local planning process. I've also made clear that people will have numerous opportunities to have their say and we have set out a clear process for this.” (Yorkshire Post, 19/05/08)