Leicestershire Parish Councils

ECO-TOWN 'COULD SOLVE THE HOUSING SHORTAGE' Date : 30.05.08

Developers behind a controversial eco-town believe it could solve Leicestershire's housing shortage.

The Co-operative Groups today revealed more details of Pennbury, the proposed 15,000-home development between Leicester, Great Glen and Oadby.

There would be a mix of starter homes and flats, family houses and homes for elderly residents.

A minimum of 4,000 cheaper homes would be built to make it easier for people to get on the housing ladder.

However, critics dismissed the claims as more "flim flam".

Ruairidh Jackson, head of planning and property strategy for the Co-op, said: "Leicestershire is facing a tough set of challenges in terms of housing provision with people living longer, more people living in single-person households and more young people finding it increasingly difficult to get on the housing ladder.

"There is also a recognised need for more large family homes locally and for flexible homes that match people's changing requirements. We can be part of the solution to all of these housing needs.

"An eco-town on our site will be a community for all reasons - one which helps the county meets those challenges, boosts the city region economy and puts the county at the international forefront of sustainable development."

He said residents could be involved in how the community is run.

Culture, leisure and education facilities would be available in the new town so people would not have to travel outside for them, he said.

Experts in areas including housing, sustainable transport, landscaping and zero-carbon technology, would sit on a "design and development panel" to oversee the scheme.

The Co-op said surrounding villages could be protected with green buffer zones or integrated into the town, depending on residents' views.

Shelter, the homeless charity, is backing the proposals, but is urging the Co-op to build even more affordable homes and set a target for the number of social rented homes.

Krista Blair, Shelter senior regional campaign officer for the East Midlands, said: "Shelter sees this proposal as a real opportunity for the people of Leicestershire."

However, Graham Stocks, of Leicestershire Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, said: "This is more flim-flam, more aspirational wish-listing.

"There are no definite plans upon which we can be consulted about - and with just over four weeks of the twelve-week consultation period remaining. I hardly dare say it, but there's nothing concrete."