With the consultation on eco-towns closing today, the Liberal Democrats have condemned ministers for hijacking local planning processes.

Of the 15 councils facing a possible eco-town in their area, 13 have come out as ‘opposed’ or with ‘serious concerns’ about the plans.

Despite this, the Government proposes to introduce a ‘place specific’ Planning Policy Statement on Eco-towns next month, which local authorities will have to treat as ‘important material considerations’ in any planning applications for eco-towns.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Minister, Lembit Öpik said:

"So-called eco-towns are a ruse that obscures the Government’s failure to insist that all new developments are environmentally sustainable.

"Ministers must be crazy to think people can’t see that the eco-town proposals are designed to ride roughshod over the views of local communities and force through these often controversial developments.

"By making the policy statement place specific, the Government is simply dictating to local communities where they must accept these new developments."