Changes to Government shortlist could mean end to Long Marston EcoTown, says MEP
January 12, 2009 3:18 PM
Indications that ministers will again prune the shortlist of ecotown proposals has raised hopes that the scheme for Long Marston near Middle Quinton could be dropped, says county MEP Liz Lynne.
The Independent has reported that of the 12 locations put forward by developers across the country only 5 will be considered as potential sites after the second round of consultation closes in March. It is thought that this move is due to the high levels of opposition stirred up by the plans, including activists in Middle Quinton taking the Government to court over the consultation process.
The Warwickshire / Worcestershire LibDem MEP, a member of the European parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee, is strongly opposed to the Long Marston project that would see 6000 homes built on the site of the former army camp.
Speaking today Liz said:
"I am pleased by reports the Government are reducing the shortlist and hope that the Long Marston plan would be one of the first to be scrapped. It is a hopeful sign, as apparently this reduction is due to the huge opposition stirred up by the consultation process, and the campaigners at Middle Quinton have made a huge impact.
"I am glad that the Government appears to have realised just how much opposition there is to these ridiculous EcoTown proposals. These plans have nothing to do with environmental or sustainable building and would fundamentally damage communities such as Middle Quinton.
"It is not yet clear which five projects will ultimately make the government's shortlist, nor is it certain if any will ever actually be built, but I sincerely hope that the Long Marston project will be cut from any future plans."
ENDS
Notes: Liz has formally objected to the Long Marston / Middle Quinton site in a response to the consultation being carried out by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The consultation on the current shortlist of 12 sites has been extended until March 6th. The original shortlist of 15 sites was cut to 10 after the first round of consultation last year, but the Housing Minister added two more sites before the current round of consultation.
Only one of the shortlisted Eco-town sites meets the highest grade A criteria of environmental sustainability set by the Department.
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