Eco-town site gets the thumbs up

Some eco-town sites have attracted public opposition

An alternative eco-town site proposed by an Oxfordshire council has received a positive response from consultants.

Cherwell District Council suggested North West Bicester as an alternative to a planned eco-town at Weston Otmoor.

The consultant Halcrow was commissioned by the council and the Department for Communities and Local Government to assess the North West Bicester plan.

It said the site was "at least as good as many of the other proposed eco-town locations and better than many".

Councillor Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: "We now have to consider the conclusions in depth, particularly the issues of viability and deliverability.

"Bicester deserves the best and we will only pursue this option if we're absolutely confident it achieves that aim.

"We also need to know that the policy and financial support required is available from national government and other sources."

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has said the plans for North West Bicester could prove a better option than the original Oxfordshire eco-town Weston Otmoor.

The Weston Otmoor site was given a low rating in a sustainability study and the Minister said it would only be suitable with "substantial and exceptional innovation".

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