Panel lays down guidelines for eco town developers

June 24, 2008 by OPPE News

A body set up to scrutinise the plans for new UK eco-towns has laid down a series of points for property developers to follow after some home builders were warned about a “lack of innovation”.

The 15-member Eco-towns Challenge Panel includes experts in design and environmental issues, meant to advise property developers as they come up with ideas for the new towns.

It will not decide which plans make the final shortlist of up to ten potential locations, a task left to MPs after public consultations. Housing minister Caroline Flint said:

“I have been clear from the start that only those bids that reach the highest possible standards for sustainability can make it through.

“This process was meant to be a challenging ride for the developers, and they need to be open to the creativity of these ideas. Some clearly need to up their game and the ball is now in their court.”

The panel includes TV presenter and green-lifestyle specialist Joanna Yarrow and Sir Peter Hall, president of Town and Country Planning Association. The new recommendations for developers include setting out more clearly how transport strategies will reduce traditional car travel.

Panel chairman John Walker said:

“We want the final eco-towns to be better than the best of the current examples that do exist in the UK and the rest of Europe - clearly there is still a lot of work to do.”

Locations on the initial 15-strong eco town shortlist include Manby Park in the East Midlands and Rossington in Yorks and Humber.