Going Green

The Government has announced a shortlist of sites, from 50 submitted by property developers, to become "eco-towns". None are in the green belt, it is claimed, which is a relief to many, but some undoubtedly are "green field". Ultimately 10 successful sites will be chosen. Five will be built by 2013 and a further five by 2020.

The Conservatives have protested that 12 of the 15 sites are in constituencies they currently hold. This is not surprising, given the Conservative predominance in rural areas. More weight of protest came from the Campaign for Rural England, complaining that areas of outstanding natural beauty would be affected, especially by views being blocked.

Some ecologists see these sites as pathfinders, with their zero-carbon homes, sustainable transport and green space, as models of what all communities will become in the future.

The towns, with between 5,000 and 20,000 people, would have to be self contained, with jobs created and a full range of schools and shops, recreational facilities, etc., or travel will involve extra carbon emission.

In one case and old and established village community will be overwhelmed by a close eco-town, and while no-one would suggest the NIMBY principle is sacrosanct, some thought must be given to the nature of the hybrid community which is being proposed.

There must be adequate provision for an ageing population. Immigration could reverse, families split up less frequently, both far from even possible, but a growing elderly population seems very likely. Talk of cycle-friendly paths and roads, jobs and recreational facilities, should not blind planners to the fact that the one almost certain thing is that the retired population will grow larger, despite the contribution of the birth rate among the recent younger immigrants.