'Ghastly shadow' of eco-town idea

The Weston Front campaign group have taken their fight to the High Court

The government's scheme to build eco-friendly new towns has cast a "ghastly shadow" over the lives of people in Oxfordshire, campaigners have said.

Campaign group lawyers at London's High Court criticised the consultation process, saying it was bound to inspire cynicism and concern.

Proposals for the Weston Otmoor site, near Bicester, include plans for 15,000 new homes.

It is among 10 sites shortlisted for "environmentally-friendly" towns.

The Weston Front Protest group has joined forces with campaigners against a planned site in Warwickshire to seek an order blocking the eco-town process.

The eco-town's ghastly shadow is hanging over their lives. Anthony Crean QC, appearing for the Weston Front

The two-day challenge at London's High Court is being led by the Better Accessible Responsible Development (Bard) Campaign, which is opposed to 6,000 new homes being built near Long Marston, Warwickshire.

Campaign group lawyers at the High Court in London are seeking court orders to force the government to take fuller account of the views of local residents.

Ian Dove QC, appearing for Bard said people were concerned over the proposal to build a town two thirds of the size of Stratford in an isolated, rural area, "completely bypassing" the normal planning system.

He told Mr Justice Walker the first engagement residents had with the government's consultation process excluded the opportunity for them "to be consulted over the principle" of an eco-town being built.

A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said no decisions had yet been made concerning the eco-towns.

"We are currently consulting on both the shortlist of locations and our proposed standards," he said.

"We believe we have acted properly throughout this process and will defend this claim vigorously."

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