MEP praises firm LibDem conference line against 'Eco-towns'
September 15, 2008 2:00 PM
Originally published by Liz Lynne MEP
Originally published by Liz Lynne MEP
A strongly worded motion by the Liberal Democrat Party Conference opposing
the Government's Eco-town policy has been warmly welcomed by county Euro
MP Liz Lynne.
Liz Lynne has been a strong campaigner against Government proposals to
build two Eco-towns in the West Midlands region, one in Middle Quinton,
Warwickshire and one in Curborough, Staffordshire, which she says will
stretch local services to breaking point.
While the motion accepted by delegates recognises the pressing need for
more housing within the UK, it condemns the use of green-belt land for the
purpose. Instead it offers practical solutions on how new housing should
be developed on brown-field and appropriate infill sites, with special
attention to making new houses as energy neutral as possible.
Speaking in Bournemouth today Liz said:
"I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed our belief that
the Government's plans for so-called 'Eco-towns' are nothing more than a
disaster waiting to happen.
"I have been campaigning against these huge development projects since
the plans were announced, and have been dismayed by the
Government's gung-ho attitude.
"The building of new mega-developments on greenfield sites will put
pressure on schools and hospitals in the area, while simultaneously
destroying areas of great beauty which are enjoyed by the local
community. Whitehall's plans to ride roughshod over local communities
must be stopped.
"We do need more housing, and the motion today recognises that, but they
way forward is to build intelligently, on brownfield land and in a manner
that is both socially and environmentally friendly.
"Once the current house price crash is resolved, we need to work for
community-based solutions for appropriate affordable housing, both to rent
and to buy."
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