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The Liberal Democrat annual conference has re-affirmed the party's opposition to the Government's eco-town policy.

Conference passed a motion opposing the development of ‘free-standing' eco-towns.

Lembit Opik, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesman, said:

"Instead of ensuring all our towns and cities are sustainable, the Government is using the green facade of eco-towns to bypass the planning system and ignore local needs and concerns.

"By presenting these developments as eco-friendly when they are only required to meet moderate environmental standards, ministers are misleading the public in order to force through these often unwanted towns."

The motion also argues for a master planning process to be adopted in Britain, similar to those used in some other European countries. Further more, the motion opposed the development of new settlements in the green belt.

The motion intensifies pressure on the Government to amend its eco-town policy or, in light of the current economic climate, abandon it altogether.