Analysis of the Eco-towns shortlist

Carfree UK gives its analysis of the Eco-towns shortlist - read the summary here

  • The transport CLG/TCPA Transport Worksheet sets out an ambitious vision for sustainable transport, which should be achievable under the right circumstances.
  • This vision with not be achievable in the locations short-listed through the eco-towns process. Small satellite towns, and extension to existing medium-sized towns, are likely to characterised by high car ownership and use.
  • Car ownership is a key determinant of car use. Around 10% of the adult population lives without a car by choice. Research suggests others would be prepared to, under the right circumstances. To enable substantial proportions of their new residents to live without a ca, eco-towns must be either:
    • Integrated towns, functioning as part of a larger conurbations, or:
    • Self-suficient towns, which are large enough to provide for the great majority of their residents' needs
  • Direct access to mainline rail is an advantage for integrated towns and essential for self sufficient towns. Outside large conurbations, few residents will choose to live without a car if buses provide their only links to the rail network.
  • The process has failed to produce a shortlist of sustainable location because:
    • the original prospectus implied a preference for satellite towns
    • 'previously developed land' and greenbelt policies (sound principles in themselves) have been applied with little consideration for sustainability
    • it relied on bids based on existing landholdings
  • A national search should now be undertaken, as was conducted for the post-war New Town, but with the aim of identifying the most sustainable locations. Public sector land assembly mechanisms may need to be used.
  • If sufficient sites cannot be found for 'integrated' eco-towns, a single larger eco town or eco city should replace most of the smaller proposals
  • CLG should apply the eco-town principles to a new programme of eco quarters on redevelopment sites withing existing towns and cities.

Read the full analysis...

 

25/06/08