Developers and landowners in the West Sussed district of Arun have outlined plans to develop the UK's first zero-carbon eco town.

A consortium of owners on the now defunct Ford Airfield has submitted proposals to the government for a self-sufficient site comprising 5,000 green homes as well as schools, shops, health and community facilities and transport links.

In addition to using on-site renewable energy sources for energy production, all the homes would be built from sustainable materials and would employ the most reliable energy conserving technologies such as double glazing insulation.

Commenting on the proposals, Rod Hague of the Ford Airfield Vision Group said the aim was to create one of the UK's greenest, most sustainable communities.

"Our plans for Ford Airfield fully meet all the criteria set down by the government for its eco towns and will bring huge benefits to Arun, such as high quality new homes, new skilled jobs and improved transport infrastructure," he told the Littlehampton Gazette.

The government has announced plans to build ten zero-carbon communities by 2016 and is expected to draw up a shortlist of potential sites early next year.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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