Eco-town proposal submitted
An outline proposal has been submitted to the Government for an eco-town on the former RAF Newton site.
It was made by the landowners, The Crown Estate, Defence Estates and Newton-Nottingham LLP, to the Department of Communities and Local Government.
The proposal was submitted on Friday after a meeting with senior managers from Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The submission sets out the principles that could underpin an eco-town development and outlines how the project could help meet housing and infrastructure needs in the borough.
Included are proposals for two or three primary schools and low-cost housing.
Also included are plans for investment in transport infrastructure, a community sports hub and health centre, town park and employment opportunities.
A website — www.newtonecotown.com — has been set up to provide information for residents and give the opportunity for feedback.
Mr Nick Harper, the head of asset management and development at The Crown Estate, said: “Public debate on a Newton eco-town has taken place largely in the absence of detailed information on what the concept might involve and how it might be delivered.
“While it is early days, we are encouraged by the concept’s potential.
“We are keen to engage with residents and politicians to hear more about their ideas and aspirations for Rushcliffe and hope that our inititial assessment will provide a sound platform on which an informed debate can be taken forward.”
The Crown Estate has also suggested a meeting between itself, the Ministry of Defence, Newton-Nottingham LLP and Shelford and Newton Parish Council to discuss the proposal.
It has suggested July or August for the meeting.
Mr Harper said: “They are not concrete proposals but the submission sets out how, in principle, an eco-town might be progressed and how it could meet housing needs in Rushcliffe in an environmental sustainable manner.”
Mr Harper told Shelford and Newton Parish Council that although discussions were at a very early stage, they have agreed to work together and explore whether or not an eco-town might be delivered at Newton.
The Government is looking to build ten eco-towns — self-sustainable developments built to environmentally friendly standards — to meet demand for housing.
Rushcliffe Borough Council is arranging for Mr Henry Cleary, a senior officer from the Department of Community and Local Government, to meet with its Local Development Framework Group to discuss the process.
