The con exposed

The proposed sites for eco-towns have concerned many of us already. Some sites are so remote from work centres, and culture, sport and shopping, that travelling will be a major issue and cost. Many of the proposed developments would be in rural areas which traditionally are Conservative seats, so there is the usual vindictive Labour intention here.

Recently we have learned that the so-called green qualifications of the housing have been, shall we say, spun a little, that in general the new housing will not be much greener than many other new housing developments. The cost of new houses will be such as to be outside theprice range of starter homes, without massive public subsidy.

The new housing will not make much contribution to solving our housing shortage, even if all were developed, but they will make a large contribution to Government income as many sites are military installations not easily converted to agricultural use. In addition the Government will have displayed its green credentials in a large public relations exercise.