Eco-town proposals threaten local council powers

Rob Latham

07 May 2008

PROPOSALS to build an eco-town on the edge of the Cotswolds have been described as a threat to the policy making powers of local authorities.
Coun Lynden Stowe, leader of Cotswold District Council, described government plans to build an environmentally sustainable town of 6,000 homes at Middle Quinton, near Chipping Campden, as a complete sham.
"What we expect is a decree from the Government and the the democratic input of local people and local planning processes will be significantly reduced," he said.
"The consultation and planning process proposal by the Government appears to be a complete sham, the local infrastructure is nowhere near adequate to maintain a development of this size."
A public meeting in Mickleton last Friday (April 25) saw Cotswolds residents voice their anger at the proposed town.
Coun Stowe said: "It was great to see so many people so strong in objection to the government proposal that absolutely stinks.
"The village hall was busier than I've ever seen it and there wasn't a single voice in support of the eco-town proposals, let's hope the Government start taking notice of us."
Local objections have been supported by Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who has urged people to keep fighting the plans.
"We have to be able to demonstrate to the Government that there is enormous opposition from residents in the three counties affected by these proposals," he said.
"Given its rural location and lack of suitable infrastructure in all probability there will be increased car usage meaning the Middle Quinton eco-town will be anything but green."
Mr Clifton-Brown added anyone with strong views should flood Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, with their objections.

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