A poll conducted by YouGov for the Department of Communities and Local Government,found that although there was no clear majority in favour of ecotowns, many more people supported the developments than opposed them.

About 46% of the 1,693 adults in England questioned said they supported eco-towns, with only 9% opposing them, although more than a third (34%) offered no opinion either way.

A third said they would support the development of an eco-town within five miles of their home, while 15 per cent would oppose one.

The results of the research comes on the same day that protesters against the proposed eco-towns will march on Parliament.

Ministers are expected to settle on five towns from 15 candidates to be built by 2016, with up to five more following by 2020. The towns of up to 20,000 homes would be made zero-carbon.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:
"Eco-towns are a new concept in England and we know that they invoke strong opinions. That's why the consultation process is so important. However, our initial research among the general public shows clear support in favour of eco-towns."

The Government has been inviting preliminary views and comments on eco-towns since 3 April 2008 when it published its consultation paper 'Eco-towns: Living a greener future' which set out plans to take forward the eco-towns programme and named the short listed locations.

The second phase of the consultation will involve a series of road shows taking place around the short listed sites to provide further information to the public and listen to their views; and a further three months of public consultation on top of the detailed sustainability assessment on the potential locations; and a draft planning policy statement on eco-towns.