Caroline Flint under fire in Commons over eco-towns

A former Cabinet minister today expressed concern that the Government's planned eco-towns would be detrimental to existing communities.

Former health secretary Patricia Hewitt called on ministers to consider the impact of a proposed development on the regeneration of her Leicester West constituency.

She told MPs during question time: "I think there are many attractive features about the proposals for eco-towns but it mustn't be at the cost of the development of Leicester which is proceeding so successfully despite these difficult conditions."

Housing minister Caroline Flint said the consultation process was taking place to find out how the eco-town plans would impact on existing developments.

"I believe strongly that despite the claims that this process isn't open, I think we're having a very healthy debate and these developers and their plans are being scrutinised within an inch of their life," she said.

Shadow planning minister Jacqui Lait said Ms Flint was "mounting a stout defence against a policy that is falling apart in front of her eyes".

Ms Lait expressed disbelief that there would be no room for parking for some houses in eco-towns.

"How can you seriously believe that people will want to buy a house in the middle of nowhere with no space to park a car?"

Ms Flint said they were "eco" developments and therefore would be environmentally-friendly.

The Government hopes the new developments would create sustainable communities, with improved public transport and green energy schemes.

Ms Flint said the Tories talked about "sustainability and green politics" but did not want to implement the policies.

For the Liberal Democrats, Julia Goldsworthy said eco-towns were being imposed "against the will of the local community and their elected representatives".

But Ms Flint said ministers had just completed the first round of consultation and she would soon be visiting every location.

"I challenge anyone to suggest we are not being inclusive, that we are not allowing voices to be heard," she said.

"Neither the Liberal Democrats or the Tory party have any policies that attempt to meet the housing challenge of supply and affordability in this country and it's a disgrace."