5Nov
Eco-towns 'vital to help first-time buyers'
The Trades Union Congress has said it is pleased to hear that the
government is still looking to press ahead with the building of
five new eco-towns, arguing that this will help the cause of
first-time buyers.
Commenting on news of the consultation announced by Margaret
Beckett yesterday, the body said: "Everyone in the UK should be
able to afford decent housing, but for many people renting a good
quality flat or owning their own home remains a distant
dream."
Because of this, news of the extra building is a positive
development, it stated, adding that there is a need to reinvigorate
the housing market during the downturn and improve the
environmental standards of construction.
The government had originally planned to build ten eco-towns,
although the project has faced criticism, particularly from people
opposed to new developments in their local areas.
In its response to the news, Town and Country Planning Association
chief executive Gideon Amos said the principles of eco-towns should
be applied to existing towns and cities to make them greener.
