Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 April 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 April 2009. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 May 2009 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Eco-Towns

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in respect of how many of the potential eco-towns sites which appeared on her Department's shortlist in April 2008 construction has commenced.

Answer: No construction work related to eco-towns has commenced in those locations shortlisted as part of our programmes of consultation, which began in April 2008, and was pursued in more detail in November 2008. The consultation ended on 30 April and following consideration of all the responses we will publish the final Eco-towns Planning Policy Statement and list of locations with potential to be an eco-town. However, before any construction work related to eco-towns can commence individual schemes will need to submit planning applications, which will be for local authorities to determine through the local planning process.

Secondary information