12 June 2008

STATEMENT ON LEEDS CITY REGION ECO TOWN DECISION

“I am a passionate believer in the principle of eco-towns but I am also a strong advocate of local democracy and in particular the increasing importance of the Leeds City Region meetings of local council leaders. In view of the shortage of affordable housing for families in Yorkshire, I am disappointed that the leaders have rejected the clear advice of their consultants. That’s life however, you win some, you lose some.

The Government now has a dilemma; Gascoigne Wood cannot now be promoted as an eco-town because UK Coal did not suggest it when Ministers first asked for potential sites last year and the Leeds City Region has now refused to add it to the list. Clearly the Government could in theory choose one of the other sites which were originally submitted in the Leeds City Region area by developers. By definition though, these are now second best sites to Gascoigne Wood in the opinion of the consultants to the Leeds City Region. In the circumstances I would urge Government Ministers to be magnanimous despite any irritation they may feel towards the Leeds City Region and acknowledge that the ten short listed sites nationally for an eco-town will not now include a site in the Leeds City Region. That will leave Rossington as the site to be promoted in Yorkshire.”

Ends