Intelligence/

The draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on eco-towns:

• sets out the green standards for the new developments, including achieving zero carbon status across all the buildings in the eco-town and allocating 40 per cent of the area within the town to green space, and
• emphasises the requirement for eco-town developments to submit planning applications in the same manner as any other major development proposal.

A detailed Sustainability Appraisal has been published for each of the twelve shortlisted locations which will be subject to this consultation, evaluating the likely impact of the proposals on local economies, communities and the environment. Of the schemes currently on the shortlist, only one, Rackheath, in Greater Norwich, has been given the Grade A classification of ‘generally suitable for an eco-town’.

The consultation closes on 19 February 2009.

To view the draft PPS on eco-towns, click here.  To view the Sustainability Appraisals for each location, click here.