Judicial review for eco-town plan

Protesters have urged the government to drop the plan

A campaign group opposed to plans for an eco-town has been allowed to seek a judicial review.

The Better Accessible Responsible Development (Bard) group is opposed to 6,000 new homes being built near Long Marston, Warwickshire.

The site is among 10 shortlisted by the government to become "environmentally-friendly" towns.

A government statement said it would "vigorously" defend its stance. The matter will be heard later this year.

'Affordable housing'

Bard applied for the review of the government's eco-town process, claiming the programme was "unlawful" and lacked "adequate consultation".

Chairman David Bliss said: "We trust the judicial review will conclude that the government's consultation process was both inadequate and deeply flawed."

But in a statement the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "We believe we have acted properly throughout this process and will defend this claim vigorously. "The Government remains of the view that the claim is premature in challenging an on-going consultation process."

The government also said the 10 sites, which are set to be chosen in the New Year, would help provide affordable housing.