UK’s eco-towns proposal faces legal hurdles

Posted under General by Alan

The plan to build up new eco-towns, announced by Gordon Brown earlier, suffered another set back. According to the legal advice published by the Local Government Association, the scheme will not withstand a legal challenge.

The Local Government Association will meet the ministers to request review of the process of approval which the government has drafted for building new towns. According to the LGA, use of new ‘planning policy statement’ for development of eco-towns will be against the law.

Gordon Brown had pledged creation of ten eco-towns when he assumed office of the PM in June, 2007.
James Strachan and John Steel QC opine that government is pursuing a flawed policy and process in its approach for the creation of eco-towns. They caution that government is providing strong reasons to the local authority to challenge its plan.

The opinion provided ammunition to the opposition parties who alleged that government showed disregard to public opinion and bypassed local planning process.  According to the shadow housing minister, Grant Shapps, Mr. Brown failed to garner potential support due to his cack-handed method of rushing through development.

The department for communities and local government totally disagreed with the LGA’s claim. The officials termed it as misrepresentation of government’s policy and asserted that eco-towns will have very high environmental standards and the applications will be considered adhering to normal planning process.