Eco-town bids improving

Proposals for England’s first ‘eco-towns’ have been improved following a series of recommendations on sustainability and maximising environmental standards, says a new report from the Eco-Town Challenge Panel. The recommendations, published by the independent panel last May, were aimed at encouraging developments in the proposals on issues such as integrating with surroundings, using innovations to create ‘groundbreaking’ sustainable habitations.

While the bidders have raised their games accordingly, the Panel has expressed that further improvements are still required to the transport and employment strategies of the towns.

“The progress made over the past few weeks demonstrates the willingness of the promoters to react to the expert advice they have been given,” said Housing Minister Caroline Flint. “But there are no done deals and only the best quality schemes with very high sustainability standards will qualify for eco-town status.”