SPLODGE

LETTERBOX

A number of controversial sites for new "eco-towns" have been given initial backing by the Government.

The Department for Communities and Local Government unveiled its shortlist of 15 potential schemes for low-carbon, environmentally friendly towns, which will be whittled down to up to 10 successful bids over the next six months.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said the eco-town schemes would help tackle the twin challenges of climate change and affordable housing, with the successful proposals having to supply between 30% and 50% affordable homes.

The settlements of between 5,000 and 20,000 homes, none of which are to be sited on green belt land, will have to be zero-carbon as a whole and be an "exemplar" in at least one area of environmental sustainability.

But many of the areas which have made it on to the shortlist have attracted protests over the damage they could do to existing communities or destruction of greenfield land and natural areas.

The sites which have sparked controversy include plans for a 15,000 home eco-town in Weston-on-the-Green, near Oxford, where Tim Henman's parents have lived for 40 years and where he grew up.

Other controversial sites which have angered local communities have made it on to the shortlist, including Pennbury in Lincolnshire; Middle Quinton, near Stratford, Warwickshire and Marston Vale and New Marston, Bedfordshire.

But other proposals which sparked protests, including one planned for Grovewood, Derbyshire, are among more than 40 rejected by the DCLG in drawing up the shortlist.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced at the Labour Party conference last year he was doubling the maximum number of eco-towns from five to 10 following a positive reaction to the project. But since then conservation groups and residents have grown increasingly vocal about their fears over the towns as details of potential sites emerged.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said while one or two of the proposed sites could win its support if developed properly, overall it was "disappointed" with the shortlist. CPRE planning officer Kate Gordon said: "There are a number of locations that involve the loss of greenfield land, a loss of agricultural land and would damage attractive landscapes."

OWLS

now then.... now then ...... how did they make marshmellow man ??????????

WHO DO YOU WANT TO CALL GHOSTBUSTERS

could be the same day over and over again.............just like ground hog day.........

move your greenhouse into your garage. cant you advertise your cooker on the notice board in tesco's. it should go to a good home free of charge ------- i hope. best of luck.

i can let you have some string to tie your garage down with.if you have a problem getting it to the tip i may be able to help with transport, i mean your cooker. lol :

one in the SUN INN is ok. you can always ask joe if you can borrow his.

Cupid

{Thinks: That should put it on hold! }

stupid

What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?

a river

I moved into Bedlington 6 months ago, although I had a business here for a couple of years. I have found the people to be extremely nice. That is of course apart from you, the big bloke who owns the West Highland Terrier. My dog is big and boisterous, but he is just a pup. He can't help trying to play with other dogs. Obviously, I don't want him to jump up at other dogs, this is something being addressed in his training. I have thought about this seriously and if you kick my dog again I am going to kick you.

when did the big man with the westie kick your dog and where on bedlington did this happen?

:lol:

You should have told them where to shove their newspaper...

they were planning on taking more than a quarter. more like a half but beggars cant be choosers can they.

if only shoppers can get to the shelves rather than clambering over staff that are stood about talking.

the place is very dangerouse with all that cardboard on the floor.somebody may slip and hurt themselves.

what a palaver matron

Their basket likewise

are you sure the builder wasn't a butcher as i smell pork lies!

i heard it was to be an alqueada training camp!

the alqueada training camp is to be behind the cop shop lol lol

I dont think the other half will be used as the store, just like Somerfield kept it empty to stop the competition getting in. They might use it as storage or something... is that what they are using the old More Store as?

heard from a reliable source (one of the builders) that they are not doing anything with the offices but boarding them up for now. if it doesnt take off being tescos for the first year,they will be knocking the whole building down and replacing it with a new one. we will see if he is right or its just rumour.

But a troll that has *finally* found his Caps Lock key nevertheless!

very sorry for shouting

you might win the lottery too!

i cant afford to put the lottery on............... i'm only a troll..............

nor as perry's keep wheel clamping her!

he clamped a wee lasses car behind the blue bell on monday afternoon.left her stranded with young child.

there is a way of getting them off without damaging the wheel.putting the clamp in the boot of the car and

not saying owt.proof is always required from the clamper and if so has he clamped the car legally.

Thats not a nice way to greet a new member

thank you. i agree its not a nice way to greet a new member but i have big shoulders. big enough to carry rude remarks

other people leave. lets hope it gets better.

ave you passed your driving test yet barlass

YOU AND ME BOTH MATE. HOPEFULLY ALL THAT FLAT ALE WONT PUT THE FLAMES OUT TO SOON.

I STOPPED GOING IN THE TAVERN WHEN THEY STARTED TO SMOKE (AFTER THE SMOKING BAN WAS ENFORCED) AFTER HOURS AND BETWEEN 11.00AM AND 2PM SUNDAY'S WHEN THE BLINDS ARE CLOSED. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS KNOCK ON THE SIDE DOORS TO BE LET IN AND THE LANDLORD WILL DO SO.

YOU CAN EVEN GO BEHIND THE BAR YOURSELF NOW AND GET AN ASHTRAY YOURSELF IF YOU WANT TO.

BEWARE OF THE ALE IN THE PUMPS.IT GIVES ME AN UPSET TUMMY.

PLEASE DRINK FROM THE BOTTLES ITS SAFER.

HELLO BARRRRRRRRRRLASSSSS

I STOPPED GOING IN THE TAVERN WHEN THEY STARTED TO SMOKE (AFTER THE SMOKING BAN WAS ENFORCED) AFTER HOURS AND BETWEEN 11.00AM AND 2PM SUNDAY'S WHEN THE BLINDS ARE CLOSED. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS KNOCK ON THE SIDE DOORS TO BE LET IN AND THE LANDLORD WILL DO SO.