29
Jan
Eco towns court bid fails
A bid to block the government programme to construct ten eco towns
has been blocked by the High Court.
Campaigners opposed to the project on the grounds that the new
towns would have a detrimental environmental impact have argued
that the government has acted unlawfully by failing to carry out
sufficient public consultation.
However, sitting judge Mr Justice Walker threw out the challenge on
the basis that the process is at a "relatively early stage" and
that there will be many more opportunities for consultation.
He also ruled that the government had not sought to "outflank" the
planning system or been operating with a "closed mind".
The ruling was welcomed by housing minister Margaret Beckett, who
commented that the towns are "a unique opportunity to deliver
much-needed affordable housing".
Commenting on the case last week, Town and Country Planning
Association chief executive Gideon Amos remarked that it was
"absolutely right" that initiatives such as eco towns are being
planned in order to help develop better environmental
standards.
