Eco-towns criticised over transport links

The government’s eco-town advisory panel has slammed major eco-town proposals and told developers to improve their transport links.

New Marston near Bedford was most strongly criticised by the 15-member panel for looking like a typical housing scheme.

While controversial Middle Quinton near Stratford-Upon-Avon, opposed by Dame Judi Dench and John Nettles, was praised for its 100% recycling commitment, reports the Guardian.

The report from the panel was released today and shows a number of the eco-town proposals fall short of requirements and need vast improvements.

Curborough near Lichfield in Staffordshire was criticised, and Manby in Lincolnshire and Rossington in South Yorkshire were highlighted as needing transport improvements.

The proposal for Bordon and Whitehill was praised, while Weston Otmoor's plan, opposed by Tim Henman's family, was labelled "potentially" transformational.