FORD ECO-TOWN: Website launched to give people their say

The internet information - on www.fordairfieldecotown.co.uk - has been compiled by the Ford Airfield Vision Group. It went live last Friday. (APR 25)

The eco-town promoter will also launch a consultation roadshow. Its dates and venues in early June will be announced soon.

Rod Hague, of the vision group, said: "The Ford airfield eco-town is a fantastic opportunity for Arun and will be important in shaping its long-term future and to addressing issues such as affordable homes, the provision of skilled well paid jobs and climate change.

"We will be taking our ideas out on the road and widely promoting our website to give people across the district the opportunity to consider the proposals.

"We want to give everyone the chance to participate."

The eco-town idea is the chance to create a zero carbon community that will provide much needed new and affordable homes, new jobs and new infrastructure.

The aim is to encourage a 'low carbon' lifestyle in which people can walk, cycle or travel by public transport to work, shops, schools and leisure facilities.

The eco-town proposal, for a 350 hectare site, would provide:

5,000 new homes - of which 2,000 would be affordable;

about 4,000 jobs in knowledge based industries such as science, research and development, technology and light industry in new business parks;

new shops;

new services such as a health facility, a secondary school and community and sports facilities;

a relocated Ford railway station with a bus interchange with links to Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and beyond.

The eco-town is also planned to help provide funds and the early delivery of an Arundel A27 bypass.

The vision group is a partnership between the landowners, Wates Developments and Redrow Homes.

A complementary vision for an eco-town at Ford has also been submitted by the Ford Enterprise Hub.

The two organisations are working in partnership to ensure their shared ideas for a new settlement at the airfield provide a major chance for new jobs and services.

The airfield was among 15 sites selected by the government from 57 hopefuls. Ten will be given the go-ahead.

A community coalition has been lined up against the proposals. District and parish councillors and residents are involved.