Campaign to Protect Rural England responds to High Court ruling

On 27 January the BARD Campaign lost its High Court challenge over the Government’s eco-town project.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said it was "disappointed" by the judge's ruling.

A spokesman said: "The way the Government has gone about selecting potential eco-town locations, by-passing normal planning procedures, and dismissing sustainable alternatives, such as redeveloping or extending existing urban areas is worrying."

The Government criteria for eco-towns stipulated they must be freestanding new settlements.

The spokesman added: "Communities rely on the planning system as a basis for fair, accountable decision making.

"The consultation process to date has been flawed in key respects and is largely at odds with the system."

For more information on CPRE and their campaigns, see their website: http://www.cpre.org.uk/home