Is the future green? Concept versus reality
So, with eco towns on the horizon for the British public, what will become of them? Will they appease the British people by delivering what they promise in terms of sustainable and affordable housing, cutting carbon emissions and increasing housing supply?
The crux of the debate arguably pivots around whether or not the planned eco towns take over valuable greenfield areas? As the plans currently stand, this seems inevitable.
And if they do succeed, what will be next on the green agenda - eco cities? (like Masdar, near Abu Dhabi and Dongtan on Chongming Island, China) eco countries? an eco planet?
Or if they fail, will it be due to the flawed concept of eco towns or the weak reality of eco towns? Do we actually need them?
After looking around my investigative website, you may well be questioning whether or not the Government should be focusing efforts on greening our cities and towns rather than building new eco towns.
In the immediate future...
See below for the 4 key stages in the Eco-Towns process:
(1) April-June 2008: The consultation paper which asks for preliminary views on eco town benefits and the 15 shortlisted locations.
(2 By Summer 2008: A full sustainability appraisal - a more detailed assessment of the locations accompanied by a draft planning policy statement on eco towns.
(3) Around October 2008: Interim announcement to reflect sustainability appraisal and publication of the final list of eco town locations.
(4) Early 2009: Publication of a final policy statement.
Submission and consideration of planning applications will be available throughout the process.
