The country’s first eco-towns took a step closer to becoming reality today as Housing Minister Caroline Flint today announced 15 potential locations will go forward to the next stage, providing the opportunity for a major boost in affordable housing across the country whilst tackling climate change.
Housing Minister Caroline Flint stated that “We have a major shortfall of housing and with so many buyers struggling to find suitable homes, more affordable housing is a huge priority. To face up to the threat of climate change, we must also cut the carbon emissions from our housing. Eco-towns will help solve both of these challenges.
57 initial proposals were received from local authorities and developers across the country. The 15 shortlisted locations are:
- Pennbury, Leicestershire: 12-15,000 homes
- Manby and Strubby, Lincolnshire: 5,000 homes
- Curborough, Staffordshire: 5,000 homes
- Middle Quinton, Warwickshire: 6,000 homes
- Bordon-Whitehill, Hampshire: 5-8,000 homes
- Weston Otmoor, Oxfordshire: 10-15,000 homes
- Ford, West Sussex: 5,000 homes
Imerys China Clay Community, Cornwall: around 5,000 homes
- Rossington, South Yorkshire: Up to 15,000 homes
- Coltishall, Norfolk: 5,000 homes
- Hanley Grange, Cambridgeshire: 8,000 homes
- Marston Vale and New Marston, Bedfordshire: Up to 15,400 homes
- Elsenham, Essex: A minimum of 5,000 homes
- Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire: Possible sites still under review
- Leeds City Region, Yorkshire: Possible sites still under review
Read more at the Source: Communities and Local Government(UK Gov’t) – 15 locations shortlisted for next stage of eco-towns programme