Eco-development moves a step closer

Monday, 15 March 2010 12:03

Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Project Taunton have been awarded a total of £630,000 by the Department for Communities for further funding into feasibility work to develop homes built to high environmental standards.

Studies will initially look at a self-contained community planned for Monkton Heathfield, to ensure it attains the greenest standards possible.  This could include energy efficient homes well linked to public transport, bus priority services, and sustainable water and waste management facilities.

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council's Cabinet Member - Environment, said: "Somerset County Council wants to see the county's towns develop in the most sustainable way possible, without damaging existing settlements. This funding is an ideal opportunity to maximise the potential for long-term community benefit and economic growth in Taunton.”

Cllr Simon Coles, who holds the planning and transport portfolio at Taunton Deane Borough Council added: “The Council is committed to delivering high quality sustainable eco-development in our new communities. We are working closely with private and public partners.  Our proposals include studies on sustainable transport, green infrastructure and an integrated water management plan and renewable energy.”

Land at Monkton Heathfield has been publicly identified as a development site since 2005 – this funding could help to ensure that it attains the greenest standards possible.

Ian Franklin, Project Director of Project Taunton, added: “This is great news for Taunton.  As part of the town’s regeneration we’ve produced the Taunton Protocol which sets overarching standards for sustainable development - and today’s announcement boosts the town’s eco-credentials even further.”

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