Minister of state for housing Margaret Beckett has extended the deadline for responses to the government's eco-town plans. The minister said the consultation period would now last for a further five months."I know this is an issue that raises a lot of strong opinion on all sides," said Ms Beckett."Eco-towns present a superb opportunity to provide more affordable housing which is built to the UK's toughest ever Green standards and we cannot afford to miss it."At the end of the consultation period, the government will announce its shortlist of locations that could be suitable for development.

Earlier announcements have led to public protest from residents living near to sites that have been earmarked for eco-towns. The majority of the schemes will be built in the south of England, to help tackle the challenge of climate change and to produce more affordable housing.

Source: Direct News