Sir, Conservative accusations of political opportunism around the locations on the eco-town shortlist I published on Thursday (report, April 4) are a thinly veiled attempt to justify their opposition to new affordable homes in the areas where they are needed most.

As a country we face two important challenges; the need to build more homes for first-time buyers and young families, and the need to drive forward our efforts to tackle climate change. Eco-towns are one of the ways that the Government is seeking to do this.

The shortlisted locations were chosen after assessment across Whitehall, with support from the Highways and Environment agencies and Natural England. There will now be a thorough public consultation on the list before any of the bidders make planning applications.

Rt Hon Caroline Flint
Minister for Housing and Planning, Department of Communities and Local Government

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