Lib Dems in anti-eco town motion

The Liberal Democrats have passed a motion opposing the government's eco town plans.

A declaration that the government is "misleading" the public over developments that only met "moderate" standards of environmental friendliness was backed by delegates at the party's annual conference in Bournemouth.

Instead, the motion argued, there should be a concentration on providing more affordable rents and homeownership, building and equipping new homes to higher energy efficient standards and increasing planning accountability.

The latest indication of opposition to the scheme comes after last week's decision by Judge Justice Collins to grant opponents of the Middle Quinton eco-town scheme in Warwickshire a judicial review.

Judge Collins had said the government's interest in the scheme meant communities secretary Hazel Blears was likely to be "biased" when making the final decision.

Should the pressure against eco towns succeed, the government may introduce alternative plans to try to create more new green homes for first-time buyers.