Eco-town fury rises

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Local government is on a collision course with Whitehall over its eco-town programme, with just two out of 15 affected councils backing local developments.

An LGC survey revealed the depth of hostility to eco-towns as council leaders on Tuesday gathered in London for an emergency summit, organised by the Local Government Association, to examine the legality of the government's bypassing of regular planning procedures.

Out of the 15 leaders or elected mayors of district or unitary councils facing developments, six were against their local eco-town and seven had not yet reached a final decision, but expressed concern. Only East Hampshire and East Lindsey DCs — which proposed the eco-towns themselves — offered full support.

Most councils on the shortlist from which up to 10 eco-towns will be selected were worried by the government's handling of the consultation.

Gillian Brown (Con), leader of Arun DC, said: "This new planning policy statement could override the local planning authority altogether and we have almost been airbrushed out as it is."

Many councils felt they had not been given enough information about the plan to stage a full consultation. Some expressed concern the local road and transport infrastructure was inadequate to support new settlements.

In a further indication of growing tension, the LGA on Tuesday revealed it would carry out its own consultation, despite the government already undertaking one. The LGA's findings will be submitted to the government's study.

LGA programme director Martin Wheatley said: "There is widespread worry that a council will not be able to turn down an application for an eco-town and that local planning authorities are being pushed to one side."

Cherwell DC has become the latest councils to consider a legal challenge against a local proposal. Pressure groups are also gearing up for legal battles. Better Accessible & Responsible Development (BARD), protesting against the proposed eco-town in Warwickshire, is already seeking judicial review. It is anticipated that the challenge will be made before the end of the government's consultation on 30 June.

SJ Berwin partner Simon Ricketts, representing the group, said: "There are some important areas where the public have not been invited to comment."

Housing minister Caroline Flint said full consultation would be "locked into every stage" of the eco-towns process.

James Illman and Chloe Stothart,

Reporters