Greener living in Britain's first eco-towns will become a reality for up to 30,000 people in five years' time, as Housing Minister John Healey today announced the four sites that have passed the government's tough standards to go through to the next planning phase, full public consultation and local planning approval. The successful eco-town sites will pioneer innovative design and infrastructure for greener living. They are Whitehill-Bordon in Hampshire, St Austell (China Clay) in Cornwall, Rackheath in Norfolk and North West Bicester in Oxfordshire. These sites have met the government's tough standards during two years of thorough assessment. The chosen sites are Whitehill-Bordon in Hampshire, St Austell (China Clay) in Cornwall, Rackheath in Norfolk and North West Bicester in Oxfordshire

Eco-towns will include the toughest standards for sustainability, with smart meters to track energy use, community heat sources and charging points for electric cars; smart, efficient, affordable homes taking their energy from the sun, wind and earth. Residents will be able to control the heat and ventilation of their homes at the touch of a button; and sell their surplus energy into the grid; all homes located within ten minutes' walk of frequent public transport and everyday neighbourhood services; parks, playgrounds and gardens that will make up 40 per cent - two fifths - of the towns. Children will attend local zero carbon schools, making use of the paths and cycle ways; zero carbon buildings including shops, restaurants and public buildings. Car journeys will make up less than half of all journeys. And all the homes will reach at least level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes - including standards for energy efficiency, recycling, water efficiency and reduced pollution - saving a typical home £200-500 a year in energy bills.