Expert panel to offer eco-town advice

The UK Government has announced the appointment of 12 experts to advise on its eco-town project.

The green building experts have been called upon to advise the government on the environmental credentials of both the proposed eco-town sites and the developers plans.

The panel includes an eclectic mix of TV presenters, environmental activists, planning experts, architects, and designers.

Issues to be examined by the panel include resources efficiency, public transport links, and the need for attractive houses that people will want to buy.

However, the selection of experts has been criticised by the Wildlife Trust, who are concerned that the government has not appointed a single expert to consider issues of biodiversity and wildlife protection.

The Wildlife Trust has already hit out at the government for failing to consider ecology when choosing its shortlist of locations for the eco-towns. They argue that ignoring ecology defeats the purpose of the developments.

Other groups have accused the government of greenwash, and of choosing locations where no new housing is needed, and where the local infrastructure isn’t strong enough to support an influx of new residents.

Despite the criticisms, the government remains determined to go ahead with the plans. Housing minister Caroline Flint has described the eco-town developments as an opportunity not to be missed.

She also thanked the expert panel for agreeing to play a ‘tough but vital’ part in bringing about a greener Britain.

The experts on the panel are: