'Eco-town' issue tops Fareham election agenda

Fareham council want to build 7,000 new 'eco' homes

A proposed "eco-town" in Fareham which will see 7,000 new homes built has been dominating the election battle.

The town's borough council was awarded £200,000 by the government to develop its plans for an area in north Fareham.

Conservative Mark Hoban said he wanted infrastructure guarantees. Labour's Jim Carr backed the plan which he said would boost the local economy.

But Liberal Democrat Alex Bentley is against the idea and believes there has not been enough consultation.

Tory Mr Hoban, who is seeking re-election, said: "I think it is vital that councils set out plans for the provision of local services before development starts and I proposed a Private Members' Bill in the last Parliament to require this.

"But I also think there is a more fundamental issue - who decides how many houses should be built and where?

'Housing shortage'

"I believe that these decisions should be made by local people and their councillors and not by civil servants in Whitehall or by some unaccountable regional quango."

Labour's Jim Carr said: "I support the eco-housing development.

"There is a housing shortage. House prices are too high and young people cannot get on to the housing market.

"In addition the development would give an enormous economic boost to Fareham just at a time when the economy is fragile."

But Lib Dem Mr Bentley said: "We are opposed to development on this scale and I don't think there has been enough consultation.

"Where are the extra dentists, doctors and other provisions?

"I admit we need extra housing but smaller developments where it can be sustained."

Candidates standing for Fareham are: Liberal Democrat: Alex Bentley; Labour: Jim Carr; Green: Peter Doggett; Conservative: Mark Hoban; English Democrats: Joe Jenkins; UKIP: Steve Richards.