Reform says that there are "serious issues to be addressed", for the 15 short-listed eco-towns of which Ford is one. It questions the true carbon neutrality of eco-towns, given that many proposed locations are a considerable distance from work and amenities, and criticises other issues.



On the specific proposals for an eco-town at Ford, which could see at least 5,000 houses built on a greenfield site, the report remarks on the fact that road access would be through the A27 bottlenecks of Arundel and Chichester. It also says that much-needed investment will be diverted away from Bognor Regis.



Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert commented: "I welcome the intervention of Reform on this important issue of Government policy. Their report reinforces many of the arguments that we in West Sussex recognise. The policy on eco-towns is badly flawed."


For full update on Ford eco-town latest, including a public meeting, see Page 1 in the West Sussex Gazette May 14.