THERE are obvious reasons behind the turning down of a green eco-community plan in Ashwell. The most telling is that although the scheme will produce an environment which has a green quality – the area will be polluted by the number of extra vehicles on t

THERE are obvious reasons behind the turning down of a green eco-community plan in Ashwell.

The most telling is that although the scheme will produce an environment which has a green quality - the area will be polluted by the number of extra vehicles on the road.

That, itself, is a right reason to reject the scheme.

Or as is said in a report to members of North Herts District Council's planning development committee: "Sustainable development cannot be defined simply as the production of zero-carbon homes."

Quite right.

But the report, too, does give a hint that developments of this kind which may be submitted in the future could be seen in a more positive light.

Certainly, it appears that those giving advice on local planning issues are aware of the green effect and seem to support eco-developments.

It will be interesting to see the outcome when the planning experts consider a plan to be the right scheme.