MEP praises firm LibDem conference line against 'Eco-towns'

2.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Sep 2008

A strongly worded motion by the Liberal Democrat Party Conference opposing

the Government's Eco-town policy has been warmly welcomed by county Euro

MP Liz Lynne.

Liz Lynne has been a strong campaigner against Government proposals to

build two Eco-towns in the West Midlands region, one in Middle Quinton,

Warwickshire and one in Curborough, Staffordshire, which she says will

stretch local services to breaking point.

While the motion accepted by delegates recognises the pressing need for

more housing within the UK, it condemns the use of green-belt land for the

purpose. Instead it offers practical solutions on how new housing should

be developed on brown-field and appropriate infill sites, with special

attention to making new houses as energy neutral as possible.

Speaking in Bournemouth today Liz said:

"I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed our belief that

the Government's plans for so-called 'Eco-towns' are nothing more than a

disaster waiting to happen.

"I have been campaigning against these huge development projects since

the plans were announced, and have been dismayed by the

Government's gung-ho attitude.

"The building of new mega-developments on greenfield sites will put

pressure on schools and hospitals in the area, while simultaneously

destroying areas of great beauty which are enjoyed by the local

community. Whitehall's plans to ride roughshod over local communities

must be stopped.

"We do need more housing, and the motion today recognises that, but they

way forward is to build intelligently, on brownfield land and in a manner

that is both socially and environmentally friendly.

"Once the current house price crash is resolved, we need to work for

community-based solutions for appropriate affordable housing, both to rent

and to buy."