The Government's proposed eco towns could become the eco slums of the future, according to the LGA. A new report by the LGA said the plans to create the eco towns were ‘significantly flawed', and there needed to be more input from councils on the proposals. It said many councils were dismayed at the way planning processes were being by-passed to create the controversial new towns. ‘Councils are determined to fight their corner because they know only too well that by-passing the planning process will allow developments to be built in isolated areas without the essential facilities needed by people in their everyday lives,' said LGA chairman, Sir Simon Milton. ‘These schemes are set to include up to 50% social housing, but could become eco slums of the future, if they are built without regard to where residents can get to jobs or training. ‘And, if they become dormitory towns with poor public transport connections, any carbon reduction achieved by the design of home and community facilities will be more than offset by people driving miles to buy a loaf of bread or take their children to school.' PLUS: The fifteen members of the expert Eco Towns Challenge Panel have told potential developers that their proposals lack innovation. Click here to read the story.