£630,000 for Monkton Heathfield development (From Somerset County Gazette)

£630,000 for Monkton Heathfield development

6:30am Thursday 11th March 2010

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HOUSING and Planning Minister John Healey has praised progress made by the ‘second wave’ of eco-towns, and provided more funding detail on sites in Monkton Heathfield.

A grant of £630,000 will support development of detailed proposals for sustainable transport, renewable energy and green infrastructure in the masterplan.

Referring to the Monkton Heathfield plans and others in the South-West, Mr Healey said: "The developments are making great progress and already highlighting where they can apply tough green standards in new developments.

“This signals real and radical momentum to change and to re-think how we design our towns and homes for the future.

"Local authorities and partnerships across the country have recognised that eco-towns in the future will not be exceptional and the standards we are setting now will spread like an eco-echo for all new development.”

He added: “We are leading the world with these developments which combine affordable housing with new green infrastructures and an exceptional quality of life."

Somerset County and Taunton Deane Councils are proposing detailed studies of potential eco-town development at Monkton Heathfield, an area with capacity for 5,000 new homes.

It will be a self-contained community, including employment, services and community facilities, well linked to Taunton by public transport and sustainable travel option.

The additional funding of £630,000 will support development of detailed proposals for sustainable transport, renewable energy and green infrastructure in the masterplan.

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