PM welcomes eco 'revolution' (From The Oxford Times)

PM welcomes eco 'revolution'

10:28am Thursday 16th July 2009 in News By Sam Mcgregor

Gordon Brown has said eco-town plans were at the “forefront of Britain’s green revolution.”

The Government this morning named four sites to proceed — North-West Bicester, Whitehill-Bordon, in Hampshire, St Austell (China Clay), in Cornwall and Rackheath, in Norfolk.

The shortlisted sites, all led or strongly supported by their local authorities, were and North West Bicester, in Oxfordshire.

Housing minister John Healey also announced that developers in the four successful locations will be able to bid for a share of £60m to support local infrastructure.

He is also making up to £5m available for councils to conduct further planning work on proposals.

A series of public exhibition are expected to take place in 2009/2010 in the four area shortlisted with planning applications submitted next year.

About 10,000 homes are expected to be built across the four sites by 2016.

There will be zero carbon schools, shops, restaurants and public buildings.

Mr Healey said: “If Britain is going to be successful and safe from climate change in the future, we have to change the way we live now.

“More than a quarter of carbon emissions come from houses, so we are not only making improvements now, we are establishing pioneering places that in 10 years’ time will set the standard for every new town and community.

“We are leading the way on the world stage with these developments by radically rethinking how we design, plan and build our homes we can create zero carbon developments, which combine affordable housing with new green infrastructures and a higher quality of life.

“I recognise that the proposals can raise strong opinions, but climate change threatens us all and with our commitment to the eco-towns we are taking steps to meet this challenge and help build more affordable housing.

“We said we wanted to see up to 10 eco-towns by 2020.

“Despite the recession I am giving the green light today to the first four pioneering proposals and making the offer to work with and help fund six more.

“The standards are high but I am confident of wider interest from developers and councils.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "The revolutionary concept of eco towns is a unique opportunity for us to confront two of the most urgent priorities as we embark on Building Britain’s Future.

“Eco-towns will help to relieve the shortage of affordable homes to rent and buy and to minimise the effects of climate change on a major scale.

“They will provide modern homes with lower energy bills, energy efficient offices and brand new schools, community centres and services.

“I am delighted that Whitehill-Bordon, St Austell, Rackheath and North West Bicester have all been chosen to be pioneers for these new green communities and I hope people will seize the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s green revolution.”