THE reality of living by the rules of an eco-town were raised this week.

If the eco-town bid is successful, as well as seeing up to 5,500 new homes in the town, residents would have to adhere to new guidelines to reduce the carbon footprint of the town.

The aim of an eco-town is to become carbon neutral within one year, which is sometimes known as having a zero carbon footprint. This means that all carbon emissions will need to be balanced out with carbon offsetting.

Carbon neutrality is most commonly achieved by replacing the use of fossil fuels with renewable energy.

The latest study into the Whitehill and Bordon eco-town bid, the sustainability assessment, was conducted by the Government and published earlier this month.

The report showed that further studies will be necessary to ensure that Whitehill and Bordon will be able to deliver zero carbon development if the new development goes ahead.

But some residents are now raising concerns about the expectations of living by the potential new rules.

Peter Parkinson, who lives near Shortheath Common, said: "The eco-town is obviously a brilliant idea in theory, and we are all aware that we have to do something to reduce carbon emissions, but I just can't see how it will be possible.

"How are we going to become carbon neutral when the population of the town is set to double?

"These kinds of questions are really sticking in my throat at the moment.

"We keep hearing these extravagant claims of fewer cars and fewer emissions - but I don't understand how that's going to happen without cars being banned.

"It doesn't sound plausible because we have not heard a jot about how it's going to happen."

Speculation that each household would only be allowed one car has also caused concern. However, these claims have not yet been confirmed by central Government or East Hampshire District Council.

But to become an eco-town, Whitehill and Bordon will need to show the ability to reduce the use of private motor vehicles.

The sustainability report, published earlier this month, stated: "Proposals must demonstrate that they will achieve significant reduction in the need to use private cars.

"All homes should be within 10 or 15 minutes walk of all core services, including schools, local shops, health services and sports facilities."

But the district council has vowed to reduce the number of cars on the road by improving public transport links.

David Parkinson, deputy leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: "Residents are concerned that building houses will increase traffic on the roads, but we are aiming to reduce residents' need to use their vehicles and, therefore, reduce the number of cars on the road. 

"Our intention is to create such a good public transport system that people would prefer to use it and leave their cars at home. 

"The experts will identify the best possible transport solution for Whitehill-Bordon residents."

Eco-town criteria states that a specified number of employment opportunities - as a minimum one new job per new house - must be provided in the town so that the need to commute is reduced.

The criteria states: "It is important to ensure that eco-towns are genuine mixed-used communities and that unsustainable commuter trips are kept to a minimum.

"Proposals must ensure that there is a significant provision for the creation of employment opportunities within the town.

"As a minimum, this should be: The provision of one job or employment opportunity per new dwelling that is easily accessible by foot, cycling or public transport."

The sustainability report found that it should be possible to incorporate enough employment opportunities into the Whitehill and Bordon development.

Up to to 10 eco-town bids are set to be under way by 2016. The Government shortlisted 15 locations from 57 eco-town bids in July 2007.

The final locations are set to be confirmed early next year.

However, speculation is growing that there will only be a few successful eco-town bids.

An article in The Guardian, on October 26, stated: "Officials at the Department for Communities and Local Government have concluded only 'one or two' of the 15 shortlisted projects are genuinely viable, according to a source close to the discussions. The Eco-Towns Challenge Panel, appointed by ministers to ensure the plans were genuinely green, is understood to have reached similar conclusions. Some bidders have already dropped out, while others are said to have been alarmed by the house-price crash and the collapse in sales."

For the latest news about the eco-town bid from the district council, visit the website address http://www.whitehillbordon.com">www.whitehillbordon.com.

To view the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment of the Eco-Towns Programme, visit http://www.communities.gov.uk">www.communities.gov.uk and search under the term 'Whitehill and Bordon Sustainability Assessment'.