FORD ECO-TOWN: Timetable for hearing into plans for eco-town

Arun District Council's members have decided the topics which will be discussed at the first event of its kind to be held in its 34-year history.

The meetings of a specially formed select committee of eight councillors and an independent planning advisor are intended to establish the facts around the eco-town proposals for 350 hectares around the former airfield site.

Issues which the committee want discussed at the six days of hearings from May 27 include roads and transportation, the economy, housing, flood risk and drainage.

Cllr Graham Tyler, who will chair the select committee, said: "We have looked long and hard at the areas which need to be discussed in public in order to gauge the impact of an eco-town at Ford.

"While it would be impossible to cover every possible aspect, we believe we have agreed a comprehensive timetable that will allow detailed discussion into the major topics and help inform us all about the impact such a development would have on Arun."

Two promoters have put forward plans for the 5,000 home development which is intended to showcase environmental best practices and include jobs and services such as schools and GPs. The transport emphasis will be on walking and cycling.

The Ford schemes have been included in a 15-strong shortlist of potential eco-towns compiled by the government from 57 hopefuls.

Invitations to attend the investigation and submit evidence have been sent to a long list of organisations.

They include government departments and agencies such as the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency.

A meeting between Arun representatives and senior government officials last week has resulted in government departments being encouraged to take part in the hearings.

Cllr Gill Brown said she was pleased this would add to the credibility of the hearing.

"Hopefully, we can now look forward to a proper public examination of the eco-credentials of the proposals at Ford, whether they are sustainable or deliverable, and what the real effects might be on the rest of the district," she stated.

The committee's report will be submitted to all the district council's members to consider during June.

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