Eco-town protesters will march on Parliament today and hand in a petition against the eco-town shortlist at 10 Downing Street.
The protest comes after the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) warned that the 15 shortlisted eco-town projects offered a ‘worrying lack of evidence’ that they would in fact offer sustainable lifestyles.
The Government will pick 10 locations from the shortlist of 15 for the new towns. Thirteen of the proposed eco-town sites are in rural areas.
Marina Pacheco, head of planning at the CPRE, said: ‘We are urging the Government to go back to the drawing board. Many of these shortlisted schemes are recycled, failed proposals.’
Caroline Flint, the housing minister, plans to meet the protesters today. She said: ‘I recognise that some people do have concerns, and I am listening to those concerns.
‘But it’s important that all voices are heard in this debate – not just those who shout loudest, but also the thousands of people on the waiting list for affordable housing.’
Eco-town protesters will meet Ms Flint today when they march on Parliament to hand in their petition to 10 Downing Street.
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