Liberal Democrat Conference opposes eco-town plans
September 18, 2008 11:05 AM
The Liberal Democrats have called for an end to the eco-town programme and urged that new development should be concentrated in or near existing urban areas. The motion was put to the party's annual conference in Bournemouth.
Representatives from nearby Cambridgeshire told delegates: "There are brownfield sites available even in a rural area like ours. Why develop on green belt and valuable agricultural land when there are sites crying out for regeneration?"
Market Harborough Lib Dem Chairman Phil Knowles said the debate at the conference confirmed the need for an urgent rethink by the Government and that the comments of party housing spokesman Lembit Opik underlined the deep concerns about the eco-town proposals and the negative legacy it may leave future generations
Lembit Opik MP told delegates that even if every eco-town were built they would account for only a tiny proportion of the nation's housing stock, and so would make a minimal impact on cutting carbon emissions.
"Eco towns have been foisted on councils who do not want them, and then find themselves accused of nimbyism for something drawn up on a Whitehall whim," he said.
The motion said new housing should be built in or near existing settlements and from locally available materials, with high standards of energy efficiency and consideration of the impact on water demand and flood dangers.
It also called for a planning process where developers, communities and local government work together on sustainability objectives.
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