“It has been an exacting process to sift more than 50 [eco-town] bids down to the next shortlist, and during the next phase we will be looking at how we can raise the benchmark, endeavour to get more from the developers, and make sure that engagement with local authorities, communities and others are at the heart of the next six months of work.

That will include steps such as a sustainability appraisal, a planning guidance note and, importantly, making sure that it is possible to have the infrastructure for these communities to thrive,” Caroline Flint, housing minister, DCLG question time, Hansard, 1 April

“Reducing the carbon footprint of the existing built environment must take priority. At the same time, cities must be empowered to develop green ideas - from congestion charging to home insulation - at a local level,” Dermot Finch, director, Centre for Cities, Guardian Response, 8 April