UK Government Planning New Eco-Towns

"Town halls and developers have been asked to bid cash for five new eco-towns where all infrastructure and houses will be carbon neutral.

The small stand-alone settlements, each containing 5,000 to 20,000 homes will be expected to have good transport links with existing towns or cities. In contrast to the high-density apartments and small units expected in other areas of the country, the new towns will have gardens, green spaces and good quality family houses rather than apartments.

They are also expected to have between 30 and 50 per cent affordable housing with a mix of private, social and rented accommodation. Within the towns, shops, primary and secondary schools will all be in walking distance in an effort to reduce carbon emisssions.

The houses will be built using timber, solar thermal panels, double glazing, insulation and biomass boilers that do not use fossil fuels."