Plans for eco-town jobs shot down by minister

Apr 4 2008 by William Green, The Journal

Rejection brings mixed response

THE rejection of North East eco-towns drew a mixed response from MPs and disappointment from developers.

UK Coal, which developed plans at Causey Park, said it would continue exploring all options to create a vibrant green community. "The inescapable fact is that the region requires additional housing," added chief executive Jon Lloyd.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones said: "I am pleased that the Causey Park one has been rejected. It was clearly not suitable. It was simply UK Coal using eco-towns as a cynical way to use their inherited land bank."

Blaydon MP Dave Anderson said he was interested in the Causey Park proposal, half of which fell into his constituency, as a way of tackling serious pollution on an old mining site – although other parts were in much better condition.

Former Cabinet Minister Hilary Armstrong, who represents Durham North West, said demand for housing was not as great in the North East.

"But I am disappointed in that we in the North East are really moving on how we can increase our expertise and specialism around renewable energy," she added.

The company behind the Cambois site said it had received support from local government and people, and attacked the Government for ignoring the North East as an eco-town location.

Justin Hancock, at Banks Developments, promised to carefully assess the reasons for the Government’s decision and pledged to continue work to redevelop the area.

Northumberland County Council said it was concerned the Cambois development could have an "adverse impact" on its regeneration plans for south east Northumberland.