EcoTown funding confirmed for Mid Cornwall Clay Country

Eco-towns will be new towns of between 5,000 and 20,000 homes. They will be complete new settlements which will achieve zero carbon development and more sustainable living through the use of innovative design and architecture.

£9.55 million has been provided to Cornwall Council for 2009/10 from central government to deliver vital work to support St Austell and the Mid Cornwall Clay Country Eco-town development, one of the first four in the country. There will be a further opportunity to access a potential £2-6 million for 2010/11 which will assist in bringing forward an exciting portfolio of projects that support the Eco-town.

Graeme Hicks, Cabinet member for Planning, Transport and Highways, said: “I am so pleased to be able to confirm the announcement made today. This is wonderful news for all of the residents of the Clay area. It reinforces our commitment to put the interests of local people first. The Eco-town programme has the funding necessary to proceed with confidence in delivering innovative projects which will encourage behaviour change, skills development and an exemplar supported housing scheme. I am confident that with the strong team that this Council has put in place the Eco-town programme will be able to deliver the results we are seeking.”

Employment opportunities will be further explored with the help of this funding, looking at both further use of the European Convergence Programme and direct private investment. In particular, the use of local clay materials in environmental technology, sustainable construction and renewable energy generation (such as geothermal) will be researched. Also, opportunities for both existing and new businesses in the area will be explored for improving resource efficiencies through environmental improvements.