Council warning over eco-towns plan

6:25pm Monday 21st April 2008

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PLANS to build two eco-towns in neighbouring counties could have a knock-on affect in Buckinghamshire, a senior councillor has warned.

The schemes for Marston Vale in Bedfordshire and Weston Otmoor in Oxfordshire had implications' for the county said councillor Martin Tett.

The shortlist of 15 eco-towns - aimed at producing more environmentally friendly houses - was announced earlier this month.

Two schemes had been put forward for developers for Buckinghamshire but did not make it onto the shortlist.

These were Wescott and Great Horwood airfield, near Aylesbury.

Ministers say the towns - of up to 20,000 homes - will have a small carbon footprint and strong public transport links.

Cllr Tett, who is responsible for strategic planning at the council, tells members in a report: "Whilst members may be relieved by the news that no eco-towns will be built in Buckinghamshire, the close proximity of the schemes in Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire may well have implications for this county, which we will need to consider in responding to the consultation on the shortlist."

And he said there wider concerns' about how the shortlist will be taking forward as it will not be through the usual formal development plan process'.