London, until now, has not been a hotbed of large-scale eco-development. That could be about to change if a proposal for a 10.4-acre sustainable scheme in Kensington, west London, is given a green light. The proposed development, located on Warwick Road, will feature a school, GP clinic, shops, restaurants and housing. Fully 20 per cent of energy requirements would be from renewables, including solar and wind.

Other eco-initiatives include green roofs, rainwater collectors, parking for bicycles and charging points for electric vehicles. A park and a wildlife pond are also included in the application as well as plans to redesign the roads to calm traffic.

The scheme, which has been put forward by Kensington and Chelsea Council, has undergone a six-week public consultation and will now be considered by councillors. Should they approve the proposal, four large buildings, including Charles House, the Empress Telephone Exchange, a former TA centre and a Homebase store, would make way for the new, as yet unnamed, development.

Councillors are said to be supportive of the proposal, which would provide 500 school places for children aged 3-11. Daniel Moylan, deputy leader of the council, told the London Evening Standard: ldquo;We know that there is already demand for more primary school places so this will satisfy a need that would be there in any case. This is a wonderful chance to create a complete and sustainable community, giving the area a true vision.rdquo;

In Ashford, Kent, the council is considering a proposal to develop 19 eco-homes on land currently used by fly-tippers. The scheme, to be built by Hyde Housing Association, would provide affordable homes that would strive to be zero-carbon. CO2 reduction initiatives include solar water heating and biomass central heating. Proposed to be constructed using locally sourced building materials, it would feature water saving appliances and grey water would be recycled.