How can anyone claim we want the 'eco-town?'

Well done to MK member Julie Fox for getting a letter published in today’s Cornish Guardian, setting out her strong opposition to the so-called “eco-town,” and stressing the point that it does not have public support.

The full letter was as follows:

More than one thousand people have objected to plans for the supposed eco-town near St Austell and I cannot understand how the Cornish Guardian can publish its recent headlines such as “Eco-town plans get support of residents” and “Public backs eco-town bid.”

Too much housing is being foisted on St Austell and the china clay area and this massive development is not sustainable.

According to Cornwall Council’s own figures:

-  In 1991 the china clay area had a total of 7,541 dwellings.
-  Between 1991 and 2010, a further 3,525 properties were built in this area – an increase in housing of 47%.
-  The authorities now wants the area to accommodate another 3,000 properties (including the eco-town).
-  If built, this would mean an increase in housing stock of 87% between 1991 and 2030.

This level of housing growth is so much greater than elsewhere in Cornwall; it is excessive and it is truly unsustainable.