Many people will now know about the two proposals to build an ‘eco town’ in our area – both on our doorstep and both predominantly on Greenfield land.
Plans have been submitted to Communities Minister Hazel Blears in response to the Governments declared intention of building 3 million new homes in England by 2020; and specifically to build 10 “Eco Towns”.

‘Willow Green’ proposals are for an ‘eco-town’ of 15,000 houses on land between Eggborough, Kellington & Kellingley; and also include mention of 9 -12 primary schools, shops and health & recreational facilities. 'Darringfields' straddles the border between Selby District and Wakefield Met: being approximately 60% - 40% respectively and basically covers the area between Darrington, Womersley & Cridling Stubbs, and north to the M62. This is a proposal to build 15-20,000 houses – there are no other details.

You have told us…
In a survey of households which we have conducted in adjacent villages

• 93% of respondents have objected to the building of a new town.
• Only 2% of responders thought that the Eco-Town would bring jobs, the overwhelming majority (78%) thought it would not bring jobs
• 72% doubted the eco towns capacity to resolve housing problems

What we are doing…

• District & Parish councillors have met with one of the developers to discuss the issues, but the other (Darringfields) developer has so far declined invitations to meet with us.
• We have appeared on television and in the press – thank you to everyone who joined in the filming for the politics show, which really helped to bring out the issues.
• Selby District Councillors have objected to both sites and asked the Government to reconsider.
• Wakefield cabinet members have rejected the Darringfield proposal - part of which lies on their side of the border
• I have written to the Minister and a number of other MP’s, putting all the points which people have raised and urging her to reconsider.

I am saying…Selby District does not need a further 15,000 houses for its own residents; and why should it provide all the extra houses needed by Leeds City region? I support the plan to build zero-carbon houses for the future, but commuting along the M62 to work in Leeds makes this new town an eco-dorm, rather than a sustainable development. Please sign our on-line petition against these sites.
Thank you. Go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Eco-No
Cllr Gillian Ivey