Sir Michael Peat, Prince Charles’s head of staff, has accused ministers of keeping the public in the dark over its plans for eco-towns.
Speaking today at the British Property Federation’s annual conference in central London, Sir Michael Peat said: “The problem with eco-towns is no-one really knows what an eco-town is yet, because government won’t let us know until the autumn.”
Many of the 15 shortlisted new towns have attracted opposition, with some campaigners threatening to take ministers to a judicial review over the selection process. A final selection of around 10 schemes will be chosen later in the year.
Sir Michael urged ministers to visit Poundbury, Prince Charles’ Dorset new town which was designed on sustainable lines.
He also warned delegates that the issue of sustainability could not be ignored by the property industry.
“It is essential your processes and strategies focus on this,” he said. “Only companies that have got sustainable practice embedded in their day to day operations will survive and prosper in years to come.
“Those who care will pay, but those who do not care, and who do not take care that sustainability is embedded in the DNA of their organisations will pay very much more.”
