LGA brands eco-towns 'eco-slums'

Eco-towns risk becoming “eco-slums” unless planning flaws are resolved, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

A report by the group recommends the towns be attached to urban areas or risk becoming soulless “dormitory towns” with a heavy reliance on cars.

The group also accuses the government of bypassing local democracy and planning processes in the pursuit of the low carbon settlements.

The government wants to build up to 10 eco-towns to high environmental standards on various chunks of disused land across the country by 2020.

A shortlist of the 10 locations is expected by the end of the year.

The LGA report warns: “By pursuing an eco-town policy that enables the bypassing of decision-making by democratically elected councils, the government risks being both judge and jury.”