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20 January 2009: Norwich Evening News Call for tougher standards for eco-town The government needs to raise its standards if an eco-town on the edge of Norwich is to set an example, according to council chiefs. Plans to build an eco-community in Rackheath, north-east of the city, are among twelve rival proposals being considered by ministers nationally. But bosses at Broadland District Council have called for tougher requirements to cut carbon dioxide emissions from the developments and warned more support from the government was needed to achieve that aim. The comments followed a meeting yesterday in which the authority's cabinet members considered their response to the eco-towns planning policy statement, which sets out planning policies that eco-town developers have to adhere to. After the meeting, Ian Fisher, portfolio holder for environmental development, said: “We feel that the government should be setting higher requirements if eco-towns are going to reduce carbon levels. If Rackheath is going to go on to be an exemplary town, it needs to have more back up.” Plans for the Rackheath Eco-community, which is being spearheaded by Barratt Homes, regional property developer Building Partnerships and carbon reduction experts at the University of East Anglia, have already been backed by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership. And last year, it was the only site from the dozen potential locations across the UK to be awarded an 'A' rating after a government assessment. However, there have been many objections and a campaign group, called the Rackheath Eco-town Action Group, has been set up to fight the plans. Despite this, council officials say Rackheath is in line for thousands of new homes by 2026, whether as an eco-town or not, as part of a growth strategy for the Norwich area. Andrew Proctor, portfolio holder for planning policy, said: “We see Rackheath as being a necessary housing requirement. It is part of the north-east quadrant and the eco-town is an integral part of that group. “The eco-town will see huge benefits around the community - open spaces, changes in public transport - and it helps us to deliver long-term growth with leverage from government money.” Last week, the government's minister of state for housing and planning said plans for an eco-town in Rackheath were close to meeting the government's environmental criteria. An updated shortlist is expected to be announced in the spring. |
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