Eco-town developers told to lift their game

Eco-town developers will be told to lift their game when the panel responsible for overseeing proposals holds its first meeting today.

The Eco-Town Challenge Panel is expected to tell developers they need to improve their visions for the environmentally-friendly towns if they are to make the shortlist.

Up to 10 eco-towns will be built across the country, while 15 have made the shortlist.

Housing minister Caroline Flint said only the best bids stood a chance of being selected and the panel would help improve the proposals.

She said: “There are no done deals and I expect bidders to raise their game by taking on board the expert advice available to them, to make the most of this unique opportunity to deliver the affordable, greener homes our first time buyers and young families desperately need.”

The panel will publish recommendations for each bidder over the coming months on how their vision could be improved.