Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of the county’s leading conservation organisation, Sussex Wildlife Trust, has attacked Government in his blog accusing them of hoodwinking an unsuspecting public following the recent announcements regarding Eco-Towns.

He accuses the Eco-Town projects of being ‘developer led’ and not in the best interests of the people of Sussex, or in fact Britain. Close examination of the process reveals that Eco-Town proposals have already been submitted despite the fact that the six month consultation period has only just begun. This public consultation will contribute to the Government producing guidelines on how Eco Towns should be built.

Ford in West Sussex is the suggested location for the first Sussex Eco-Town – a site which has been overwhelmingly rejected on numerous occasions in the past as an unsustainable location. Not only are there massive transport problems connected with this area (the Arundel bypass is currently one of the most controversial proposed road developments under review) but it lies within a flood zone – directly in opposition with Government policy to avoid flood zone areas for new build.

Nationally, Dr Whitbread challenges the Government’s thinking toward environmental issues. He said ‘The proposed ten Eco-Towns will only deliver 100,000 new homes. However, the Government are planning to build three million new homes over two decades. Does this mean 2,900,000 homes will be built to lower standards at a time when the need to protect the environment has never been more critical?

‘The development of carbon neutral homes should be the norm for all new houses not limited to just Eco-Town new build.’

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