The UK’s new eco-towns, four of which have been formally approved, may not be the answer to provide sustainable new housing, according to a report from consultants Scott Wilson, commissioned by the Communities Department.

Overall, the report said that it is recognised that there is need for more sustainable housing and for more housing in general but people are wondering if creating eco-towns is the best way to achieve this and that spending money on existing housing needs greater thought.

In addition, there are concerns that they are by-passing the planning system. The report said: ‘There was also concern that eco-town developments might detract from local planning and regeneration objectives.’

The Communities Department said it would take the concerns into account but insisted that eco-towns will not bypass existing planning rules. It also said that the developers of the first wave of eco-towns will be obliged to have closer ties with existing communities

Guidance notes for developers state that any programme of development (PoD) prepared by each eco-town should include ‘consideration of projects which would enable the existing community to better prepare for eco-town development’.

A consultation process with developers is currently underway and due to end on 25 th September.