Vision for eco towns discussed at first national conference: consultation planned for 2008

A vision for 10 new eco-towns was outlined to delegates at the Eco-towns and Housing Growth conference in London on December 14th – the national launch of a series of events being run by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), ASC and Communities and Local Government (CLG).

Ministers have stated that they want to ensure that the new settlements, which will be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, to be built with the close co-operation of both communities and councils. Planning and housing experts welcomed the news that, as part of its commitment to deliver 10 eco-towns, the Government will consult Local Authorities in the New Year.

Read a conference outline on the ASC website

Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) Chief Executive, Gideon Amos said: Planning for eco-towns and housing growth in general must be founded on local debate and wherever possible leadership from local authorities and local communities. We must win the arguments not buck the system to build eco-towns - the sustainability quality will be crucial to these debates.'

At the national launch of the Eco-Towns and Housing Growth Series, run by the TCPA, Communities and Local Government (CLG) and ASC, leading international experts from a wide range of backgrounds will share their experiences and techniques in the delivery of eco-towns.

Gideon Amos added: 'To take forward the sustainable housing growth agenda we must share experiences and learn lessons from our existing eco-communities, both in the UK and aboard. This will assist professionals working in delivery agencies, local authorities, development agencies and professional consultancies, as well as elected members and community groups, in the delivery of eco-towns and more widely in the delivery of new zero-carbon housing growth.'

Gill Taylor, Chief Executive of the Academy for Sustainable Communities, said: 'The creation of eco-towns as sustainable communities depends on the efforts of a wide range of practitioners from the private and public sector, elected members and the wider community. In order to achieve this we must ensure that there are sufficient people with a combination of specialist and generic skills including leadership, partnership working and project management to successfully plan, develop and manage eco-towns. ASC will offer practical support through learning programmes, networks and resources to those people at the forefront of creating and implementing eco-towns and ensure that learning is shared nationally.'

The eco towns agenda refers to a series of 'exemplary zero-carbon developments of between 5,000 and 10,000 homes'. These are planned to be freestanding, linked new towns that will lead the rest of the housing market to a more sustainable future. They are alo planned to be sustainable communities where people will want to live and work, and a key element of the Government’s plans to build 3 million new homes by 2020.