Plans for zero-carbon town

A Government minister has promised widespread consultation over plans to build a new "eco town" in Staffordshire.

The scheme would see the creation of a '21st century settlement' of 5,000 homes on a mixture of brownfield and greenfield land next to Fradley Business Park near Lichfield.

Caroline Flint, for communities and local government, said in Parliament: "We are consulting with local authorities in the relevant areas covered by proposed eco-towns as part of an initial assessment of bids.

"We will also consult the regional assemblies. We expect to publish proposals shortly," said the minister.

"There will be considerable opportunity for consultation and engagement involving Honourable Members, local authorities and the public before the process is completed," she said.

The minister's comments came in response to questions raised by Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield.

In the past Mr Fabricant has spoken out against a lack of consultation on the proposals, which he has said he is bitterly opposed to.

The MP has criticised the eco-town concept as an excuse to dictate housing policy from Westminster, instead of leaving decisions in the hands of local councils with local knowledge.

Proposed for the western and southern sides of a former airfield at Curborough, the scheme would see thousands of new homes on the 300-hectare site, served by shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, a health centre and a supermarket.

A consortium made up of Banks Group, Gleeson Homes, Hallam Land Management and Redrow Homes is behind the plans.

The plans were drawn up after Prime Minister Gordon Brown called for the creation of zero-carbon towns which did not damage the environment.

The eco-town is one of 57 proposals being considered by the Government, of which 10 will be chosen.