On November 4, the second stage of consultation for the controversial ecotowns was launched, along with the draft ecotowns planning policy statement (PPS) which stated that ecotowns would need to follow the same planning application process as any other development. In recent months, the programme has attracted criticism for, among other issues, allegedly aiming to bypass the planning system by rushing through the ecotown sites. According to Communities and Local Government (CLG) the PPS also sets out “the toughest ever green standards for new development,” including achieving zero carbon across all buildings in the ecotown and earmarking 40% of the area within the town to be green space.<br><br>CLG also published a Sustainability Appraisal which “identifies and evaluates the likely impact of the proposals on the local economy, community and environment,” and considers “reasonable” alternatives. Two of these alternatives have been added to the ecotowns shortlist, after five ecotown bids were withdrawn over the summer. The two proposed sites are Rackheath in Norwich, and North West Bicester in Cherwell. Most of the proposed sites have achieved a Grade B status, meaning that they “might be a suitable location subject to meeting specific planning and design objectives.” Only Rackheath is a Grade …