Doubts surface over green town viability

BY GARRICK ALDER

The Government is denying claims that its eco-town scheme has hit the rocks.

Reports emerged at the weekend that the project is being scaled back due to the state of the economy.

The Observer newspaper stated that 'only two of the ten sites promised are now expected to be built'.

The newspaper quoted 'a source close to the discussions' which are apparently being held within the Department for Communities and Local Government.

If this is correct it appears to be yet another blow to the prospect of building thousands of new homes on the site at Marston Moretaine.

The proposed zero-carbon renewable energy development named 'Marston Vale' has already attracted fierce opposition from local residents.

They feel they are being manipulated in order to allow the development - on greenbelt land - to go ahead.

Last month a torchlit procession involving hundreds of villagers besieged a public meeting held by developers O&H Properties ltd.

Mid Beds MP Nadine Dorries was among the protesters.

The eco-town concept was thought up by Gordon Brown while he was still Chancellor of the Exchequer and announced as soon as he became Prime Minister.

Mr Brown declared: "For the first time in nearly half a century we will show the imagination to build new towns (eco-towns) with low and zero-carbon homes."

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government told Bedfordshire on Sunday: "The extra homes of eco-towns are still needed and the challenge of climate change is not going to fade, irrespective of economic conditions.

"We have consistently said we are looking to build up to ten ecotowns and have made clear that we will shortlist up to ten potential locations by early next year."