Analysis of the Eco-towns shortlist

Carfree UK gives its analysis of the Eco-towns shortlist - read the summary here

The transport CLG/TCPA Transport Worksheet sets out an ambitious vision for sustainable transport, which should be achievable under the right circumstances.

This vision with not be achievable in the locations short-listed through the eco-towns process. Small satellite towns, and extension to existing medium-sized towns, are likely to characterised by high car ownership and use.

Car ownership is a key determinant of car use. Around 10% of the adult population lives without a car by choice. Research suggests others would be prepared to, under the right circumstances. To enable substantial proportions of their new residents to live without a ca, eco-towns must be either:
- Integrated towns, functioning as part of a larger conurbations, or:
- Self-suficient towns, which are large enough to provide for the great majority of their residents' needs
Direct access to mainline rail is an advantage for integrated towns and essential for self sufficient towns. Outside large conurbations, few residents will choose to live without a car if buses provide their only links to the rail network.

The process has failed to produce a shortlist of sustainable location because:
- the original prospectus implied a preference for satellite towns
- 'previously developed land' and greenbelt policies (sound principles in themselves) have been applied with little consideration for sustainability
- it relied on bids based on existing landholdings
A national search should now be undertaken, as was conducted for the post-war New Town, but with the aim of identifying the most sustainable locations. Public sector land assembly mechanisms may need to be used.