Bishop raises 'eco-ghetto' fears

A planned 15,000-home settlement could become an "eco-ghetto", the Bishop of Leicester has warned.

Pennbury is on a shortlist of 15 schemes for carbon-neutral eco-towns designed to provide affordable housing.

But the Rt Rev Tim Stevens said that if local people were not involved in the decision making, the town could be an island of green technology no-one used.

The Co-operative group, who are behind the plans, said they expected to start consultations in near the future.

Blocked roads

Bishop Stevens believed the huge amount of local opposition amounted to far more than mere "nimbyism" and was based on fears the local transport network was already stretched.

He said: "You can put in all the low carbon technology and associated infrastructure but if people cannot get in and out easily, they find the transport systems are difficult.

"And if there is no provision in the town for adequate shopping, community facilities, schools, doctors surgeries, all the things such a big community would need then they are going to have to travel for them

"And if they travel on roads that are already congested then they are going to end up being stuck."

The Co-operative Group said they welcomed an "inclusive" debate on the issue and would start a full consultation process in the next few weeks.

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