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In July 2007 the government invited expressions of interest from local authorities and the private sector in the development of Eco-towns. Eco-towns are described as small new towns of at least 5-20,000 homes designed to achieve zero carbon development and more sustainable living using the best new design and architecture.
St Modwen and the Bird Group have submitted an expression of interest to the Government for the development of an Eco-town of 6000 dwellings which they are referring to as 'Middle Quinton'. The site extends to 240 hectares and includes the former Engineers Depot now owned by St Modwen and the Birds site to the south-west which is within Wychavon/Worcestershire. The submission documents which have been produced by the landowners are available to download.
Middle Quinton - A new Eco-town Community - October 2007
Middle Quinton - Companion Document - January 2008
Middle Quinton - Delivering Accessibility - January 2008
A hard copy of the submission document is available for inspection at Customer Services in Elizabeth House.
Consultation on shortlisted sites
The government have now published a short list of fifteen locations which will go through to the next stage of consultation. This shortlist includes the 'Middle Quinton' proposal. The government have set out four key stages in the planning process as follows:
Stage One : Three month consultation on preliminary views on eco-town benefits and these shortlisted locations;
Stage Two : Further consultation this summer on a Sustainability Appraisal and a draft Planning Policy Statement;
Stage Three : A decision on the list of the locations with potential to be an eco-town as part of the final Planning Policy Statement, later this year;
Stage Four: Submission of planning applications.
The full text of the Eco-towns announcement made by Caroline Flint, the Minister for Housing and Planning is available for download.
The period for comments on the initial consultation paper Eco-towns - Living a greener future ended on 30 June 2008. Stratford-on-Avon District Council's response can be downloaded here.
Letter from the Leader of Wychavon District Council, 30 April 2008, to Councillor Les Topham, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
Council meeting 12 May 2008
Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Full Council meeting on Monday 12 May decided not to support the proposed Eco-town development at Long Marston, based on the information currently available. After a recorded vote, the Council unanimously decided to write to the Government asking for the development to be removed from the shortlist and will work accross all parties to achieve this.
Letter sent to Rt Hon Caroline Flint MP - Minister of State for Housing and Planning - 30 May 2008.
Working Groups
The Council has established Joint Working Groups at both Officer and Member level.
For further information please contact the Planning Policy team on 01789 260337, by emailing planning@stratford-dc.gov.uk, or by fax on 01789 260306.
If you have any questions about the eco-town debate or if you like to leave us your comments, please e-mail ecotown.debate@stratford-dc.gov.uk
| St Modwen and the Bird Group held public exhibitions of their proposals in Stratford-upon-Avon, Evesham, Chipping Campden and on the 'Middle Quinton' site in late June 2008. |
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| Agendas and meeting notes of joint officer and member working groups assessing the Eco-town proposals. |
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