Eco-town for Ford

Proposals for the major development on the former airfield have been submitted by landowners and developers to the government.

They involve creating a community of 5,000 homes '“ with potentially 12,000-plus residents '“ and 4,000 jobs. Most of the work is intended to be in knowledge-based industries.

A secondary school and two primary schools also form part of the blueprint. Shops, health and community facilities complete the town proposed by the landowners of Ford Airfield and Redrow Homes and Wates.

It will cover 360 hectares just to the west of the River Arun.

Rod Hague, of the Ford Airfield Vision Group, said: 'Our plans for Ford Airfield fully meet all the criteria set down by the government for its eco-towns. They will bring huge benefits to Arun, such as high quality new homes, new skilled jobs and improved transport infrastructure.'

The government wants to create up to ten zero-carbon settlements by 2016. It is assessing the initial bids ready to compile a short list in early 2008.

Once it has chosen the preferred sites, it will be up to the developers to compile a planning application to Arun District Council in the usual way.

Energy for the Ford Airfield Eco-Town will come entirely from newly-created on-site renewable energy resources such as biomass, biogas and energy from waste. This will feature making use of waste from the waste water treatment centre in the village.

All the homes will be built from sustainable materials and designed to the highest energy efficiency standards. Car use will be minimised.

At the eco-town's heart will be a transport interchange created around a new Ford railway station to provide direct rail links along the coastal line and north.

The transport interchange will link into bus routes and the intended coastal fastway bus service will link major south coast towns. Walking and cycling routes will run throughout the new community and connect to existing networks. The town will be established with community and social services from the first day to ensure that residents and workers are made welcome and feel at home.

Local markets, including a farmers' market, will be encouraged to continue.