Leading housing and planning charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), have today published the eleventh and final Worksheet in the Eco-town Worksheet series, sponsored by Government, on the effective delivery of eco-towns.

TCPA Chief Executive, Gideon Amos OBE, said: “It is a tribute to the enduring importance of eco-developments given our changing climate, that the TCPA has now brought its leading edge series of ‘Eco-towns Worksheets’ guidance to a successful conclusion with this publication on the practicalities of delivery. The first four eco-towns, the next wave of proposals and other eco-developments in the UK have much to learn from each other. The task now is to bring forward innovative development that also meets the needs and aspirations of ordinary people seeking a decent home in a good environment. The brand new local authority led Eco-Development Group set up by the TCPA will endeavour to do just that.”

The intention of the Delivery Worksheet ‘ensuring eco-towns are delivered’ is to provide background information and guidance that will assist those involved in eco-town delivery. It is not prescriptive. However, it does describe the factors that need to be given serious consideration before reaching decisions about delivery arrangements.

John Walker, lead-author of the Delivery Worksheet, said: “Delivering an eco-town requires additional thought and focus over and above ‘normal processes’ and the need for long-term commitment. Many factors that will influence the eventual nature and success of the eco-town will be determined at an early stage, either by conscious action or by default. The premise of this Worksheet is that decision by default is not good enough when we are aiming for an exemplar that can be both a wonderful place in which to live and a source of inspiration and learning for others. Important decisions should be made explicitly, in a transparent manner and with an inclusive approach to delivery through partnership.”

The Delivery Worksheet concentrates on the opportunities and responsibilities that will occur when delivering an exemplar eco-town, and on the steps that can be taken to grasp them fully. The guidance draws attention to those subjects that need early attention and continued development which include:

• Creating a vision
• Considering and identifying the full range of partners
• Using the ATLAS Statement of Intention to help structure actions of all partners in the early stages
• Identify positive environmental features
• Giving early consideration to a delivery structure (Local Delivery Vehicle) to provide leadership, focus and a sense of responsibility
• Assessing and securing adequate skills and resources
• Considering and assessing how to procure infrastructure
• Building a business plan for delivery
• Giving some thought to long-term ownership and management of public amenities
• Considering how best to create a real sense of community that reflects the eco-towns’ aspirations and how best to integrate the new community with surrounding areas
• Not treating the eco-town as a major planning application but as a complex integrated project, requiring excellent project management and partnership throughout its period of delivery

The TCPA gratefully acknowledges the support provided by Communities and Local Government in sponsoring the Eco-towns Worksheets. The TCPA is also very grateful to the many groups and individuals who contributed their skills, experience and knowledge to the production of this Worksheet.

The Delivery Worksheet is the eleventh and final eco-town Worksheet, following on from transport, community development, water cycle management, green infrastructure, economy, towards zero waste, inclusive design, housing, biodiversity and energy Worksheets. The Worksheets, together, represent a comprehensive set of best practice advice and support on the range of subject areas to be addressed and the standards to be met when planning an eco-town.

For more information on Eco-towns, visit http://www.tcpa.org.uk/pages/eco-towns.html