Are eco-towns a good idea? Join the big debate

Are eco-towns a good idea? Join the big debate 14:30-15:30 Saturday 25th April, at Grand Designs Live London 2009, sponsored by British Gas.

Sunand Prasad, RIBA President, David Lock, Adviser and Planner, Andy Von Bradsky, PRP Architects, Ian Dowdle, Architects and Whitehall Borden eco town councillor will be coming together to debate the issue of eco towns and the future of eco communities at Grand Designs Live London, scheduled to take place at 2.30-3.30pm on Saturday 25th April, in the Grand Seminar Theatre, sponsored by the Electrical Safety Council, at the ExCeL centre in London’s Docklands.

As the Government announced it would consider plans for eco-towns put forward by local authorities, forty-five councils have already come forward with plans for new homes and jobs to respond to serious housing pressures in their areas, and some authorities are also looking at plans for 'new settlements'. Ministers are now considering such plans within the Growth Points scheme, insisting on proposals for zero- or low carbon developments which make the best use of brownfield land.

Ministers believe these new developments could help drive the environmental technologies needed to ensure all new homes are zero carbon within a decade, as set out in last December's zero carbon timetable. However, despite these apparent positive eco developments, these UK plans are being met by fierce local opposition and concerns over the state of the housing market. But there has been little examination of the new eco towns' green credentials.

In light of this Grand Designs Live, London brings together Sunand Prasad, RIBA President, David Lock, Adviser and Planner, Andy Von Bradsky, PRP Architects Ian Dowdle and Whitehall Borden eco town council, leading experts in sustainable building, Architecture and planning, to debate the issues and eco credentials of these new eco Town plans, in front of a LIVE public audience at this year’ show. Offering the unique opportunity for the public to join the debate and have their say.

The debate will raise issues such as: Is there merit in this idea, and why have the proposals been so unpopular? What is the alternative? Has this been a good policy to raise the green housing agenda, and which way forward? Should we be creating new towns or concentrating on making existing urban areas more sustainable?

Grand Designs Live will host five sessions every day, including a Big Debate between leading politicians, peer groups and opinion makers on issues such as eco and sustainable interior design, zero carbon homes and the legacy of London's 2012 Olympics.

The BIG DEBATE at Grand Designs Live, London will be on once a day throughout the 10 day event between 2.30p,m – 3.30pm everyday focusing on a series of subjects from eco Towns, Innovation, sustainable building, and architectural style.

Kevin McCloud, George Clarke and Diarmuid Gavin will also be on hand to provide a selection of masterclasses, offering in-depth advice on how to style the perfect home.

Located within the Interiors, section by the Designs Centre, the expert Grand Seminar Theatre sponsored by The Electric Safety Council.

The theatre will hold around 300 seated guests and run 5 seminars per day. Too see a full schedule of seminars and events please logon to www.granddesignslive.com.

Grand Designs Live, London is the UK’s The No.1 consumer show for design, innovation and inspiration for your home, and returns to London from the 25th April to 4th May, 2009. For more information and regular updates on the latest features and exhibitors, check our www.granddesignslive.com.

To book your tickets now and save £5, logon to www.granddesignslive.com or call the 24 hour box office on 0871 230 5577 + Kids go free.