Minister booed over eco-town plan

Protests have previously been held at the proposed site for the eco-town

Opponents of government plans for eco-towns have booed housing minister Caroline Flint as she visited a proposed site in Warwickshire.

Up to 50 opponents jeered Ms Flint at site near Long Marston, as she met councillors and residents.

Opponents argue the ex-Army site is unsuitable for 6,000 new homes.

Up to 10 eco-towns, which ministers say will be carbon-neutral, are being proposed across England. The final shortlist is being drawn up.

The Better Accessible Responsible Development (Bard) campaign said the Warwickshire development would lead to congestion in nearby villages and there has not been enough consultation.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has also been opposing the plans for the development, at Middle Quinton, saying the local infrastructure could not cope with the extra homes.

The final shortlist of eco-towns is expected to be drawn up by the government over the next six months.

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