Campaigners say 'no' to eco-town with 10,000 strong petition » Environment » 24dash.com

Campaigners opposed to a proposed eco-town in West Sussex have handed in a 10,000-signature petition against the scheme to 10 Downing Street.

The Communities Against Ford Eco-Town (Cafe) group is fighting plans for an environmentally-friendly new settlement near Arundel, which would include 5,000 new homes.

The scheme is one of 12 sites still in the running to make it on to the final Government shortlist of up to 10 eco-towns.

Vicky Newman, who lives in the village of Yapton near to the proposed site, said an eco-town would "absolutely crucify" the area.

She said housing minister Caroline Flint had been dismissive of the protesters' concerns when visiting the site in the summer.

But the 10,000 strong signature shows the campaign is not a small vocal voice but a large diverse one, Mrs Newman said.

"Our main concern is that Arun district is an area which is very constricted in land mass terms and cannot accommodate a new settlement," she said.

She said the local authorities were opposed to an eco-town in the area, while in favour of urban extensions.

The Government is expected to publish detailed sustainability assessments on each of the sites remaining on the shortlist in the coming weeks.

A spokesman for the Communities and Local Government Department said: "Ford is a strong proposal but there are challenges that developers need to address, as with all locations on the shortlist.

“No decisions have been taken on the bids that will go forward and only the best ones with the highest environmental standards will be in with a chance of making the final shortlist."