Eco-towns will be the first new towns since the 1960s and will tackle the combined challenges of climate change, the need for more sustainable living and a real shortage of housing for families and first-time buyers. The Government has said it wants to build five eco-towns by 2016 and up to ten by 2020 as part of ambitious plans to build 3 million homes by 2020.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:

"We have a major shortfall of housing and with so many buyers struggling to find suitable homes, more affordable housing is a huge priority. To face up to the threat of climate change, we must also cut the carbon emissions from our housing. Eco-towns will help solve both of these challenges.

"Building in existing towns and cities alone simply cannot provide enough new homes. I understand this is an issue that can raise strong opinions, but everyone now has the opportunity to express their views before any decisions are made - because this is an issue that affects us all."

The shortlisted locations make significant use of previously developed brownfield land including former MoD land, military depots, disused airfields and former mining pits and industrial sites.

The full shortlist, which will be whittled down to up to 10 towns which will finally get the go-ahead, is Pennbury, Leicestershire; Manby and Strubby, Lincolnshire; Curborough, Staffordshire; Middle Quinton, Warwickshire; Bordon-Whitehill, Hampshire; Weston Otmoor, Oxfordshire; Ford, West Sussex; Imerys China Clay Community, Cornwall; Rossington, South Yorkshire; Coltishall, Norfolk; Hanley Grange, Cambridgeshire; Marston Vale and New Marston, Bedfordshire; Elsenham, Essex; Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire; and Leeds City Region, Yorkshire.

More than 40 proposals have not been taken forward for being undeliverable or not ambitious enough to meet the high environmental and affordability standards set by Government.

The final schemes will have to reach zero carbon standards by promoting leading edge green technologies, provide high levels of affordable housing, demonstrate how they will deliver key infrastructure such as good public transport, schools and health facilities and safeguard local wildlife.

A final shortlist of locations will be published later this year, after which each potential eco-town will need to submit a planning application.