Twelve experts from the worlds of design, environment, transport and sustainability have joined the eco-towns challenge.

The group will play a key role in shaping the future of the biggest new towns programme in the UK for 40 years.
The panel of figures, announced by Housing Minister Caroline Flint, will provide advice and support to developers whose proposed locations were announced in the shortlist of 15 potential sites.

They will also play an important role in challenging the developers to meet the highest standards possible for sustainability and design in their final proposals.
The twelve members of the Eco-towns Challenge panel are:
• John Walker (Chair) former chief executive, BURA. Expert in delivery of large mixed use development;

• Dr Liz Goodwin chief executive, Waste and Resource Action Programme (WRAP). Expert in use of natural resources and recycling;

• Stephen Hale director, Green Alliance. Environment expert;
• Sir Peter Hall president, Town and Country Planning Association. Expert in urban issues, housing and planning;
• Wayne Hemingway founder, Red or Dead. Expert in design and social issues;
• Stephen Joseph executive director, Campaign for Better Transport. Transport expert;
• Nick Mabey chief executive, E3G. Expert in energy issues and economic development;
• Kris Murrin TV presenter, expert in sustainable transport and children's issues;

• Sunand Prasad Royal Institute of British Architects president-elect. Expert in design and architecture;
• Liz Reason director, Reasons to Be Cheerful consultancy. Expert in
innovative approaches to energy issues and climate change;
• Sue Riddlestone director, BioRegional Development Group. Expert in sustainability and sustainable development;
• Joanna Yarrow TV presenter, green-lifestyle specialist and founder of sustainability company Beyond Green;
Housing minister Caroline Flint said: "The high calibre of those who have signed up is testament to both the excitement generated by eco-towns and the opportunity that this presents to shape the way we live, not just in eco-towns but across the whole country."
As reported in Green Places News Issue 13, up to ten eco-towns will be built by 2020 and a shortlist of 15 potential locations for the new settlements have now been announced.