Eco town not sustainable says report

From LocalGov.co.uk

by Arun Marsh

Given the scale of the deficit identified, the report concludes that the development is unlikely to support the level of contributions which the local authorities would expect to secure in order to deliver essential infrastructure and services.

This means alternative ways of funding requirements such as public transport, highway infrastructure and education would have to be found, as the development itself could not sustain them.

The six local authorities directly affected by the Middle Quinton proposal commissioned the report from CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). CBRE have prepared a detailed construction cost estimate and a detailed property market review which has informed their financial appraisal of the proposed development.

Commenting on the report, Councillor Charles Gillams, Chair of the Councils’ Eco-Town Joint Working Group said: ‘The independent assessment confirms our long held doubts about the viability of an Eco-town in this location. It would appear that the development could not proceed without massive public subsidy.

Such public expenditure would be better directed to sustainable urban locations where needs can be matched with opportunities and existing infrastructure can be utilised more effectively.’

The findings of the assessment will be forwarded to Communities and Local Government, and will inform the local authorities’ responses to the government’s current consultation on Eco-towns. A copy of the report can be viewed on Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s web site.