London: The government gave the green light Thursday to four so-called "eco towns," claiming it is playing a leading role globally in promoting carbon neutral communities.
The green towns are designed as the first of 10 such projects Prime Minister Gordon Brown`s government wants to set up by 2020, despite criticism and local opposition in some cases.
"The revolutionary concept of eco towns is a unique opportunity for us to confront two of the most urgent priorities" facing Britain, namely providing more cheaper housing and fighting climate change.
Housing Minister John Healey added: "We are leading the way on the world stage with these developments by radically rethinking how we design, plan and build our homes."
The towns chosen are in Whitehill-Bordon in Hampshire; Rackheath in Norfolk; Bicester in Oxfordshire, and a development near St. Austell in Cornwall.
The "first wave" communities will notably be able to apply for a share of 60 million pounds in funds to develop low-carbon infrastructure).
Charging points for electric cars, solar and wind power infrastructure, and so-called smart meters to track energy use will all be built in, while 40 percent of their area will be devoted to parks, playgrounds and gardens.
The main opposition Conservatives, which hopes to oust Brown`s Labour government next year, have slammed the projects.
"Underneath the thick layers of greenwash, many of these schemes are unsustainable, unviable and unpopular, but Gordon Brown wants to impose them... irrespective of local opinion," said Conservative housing spokesman Grant Shapps.
"All the low-flush toilets in the world can`t make dumping a housing estate on green fields somehow eco-friendly," he added.
Healey countered: "I recognise that the proposals can raise strong opinions, but climate change threatens us all and... we are taking steps to meet this challenge and help build more affordable housing."
The four chosen projects will all now be subject to further local planning procedures.
Bureau Report
