Responding to today’s announcement by the Department for Communities and Local Government of the locations of 15 shortlisted sites for eco-towns, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation Stewart Baseley says: “Measures that will help housebuilders deliver 240,000 zero-carbon homes by 2016 are welcome. The Government’s eco-towns proposals may well provide an environment where new technology and designs can be road-tested on a large scale. “However, we must keep our eye on the bigger picture. Even if all of the shortlisted locations were developed, the homes built would only comprise less than 5% of the 3 million homes we need to build by 2020. “Delivering the Government’s targets on housing requires a huge effort on behalf of all involved. Local Planning Authorities and central Government must avoid the danger of eco-towns becoming an expensive distraction from the core need to provide the right number of homes in the right places.” - Ends - Notes to Editors: 1. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the principal trade federation for private sector home builders and voice of the home building industry in England and Wales. The HBF’s 300 member firms account for some 80% of all new homes built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national, household names through regionally based businesses to small local companies: www.hbf.co.uk 2. The announcement from CLG today gives 15 shortlisted locations, following 57 initial proposals being submitted. Details of the sites can be found on the CLG website at www.communities.gov.uk. For media information, please contact: Paul Boulter 020 7421 6140 07814 506378 paul.boulter@portlandpr.co.uk
