Thirty-six schemes have been shortlisted for a possible share of a 200 million pound transport infrastructure fund for new housing developments. The money is being made available to support local councils in ensuring developments of new homes include steps to improve access to jobs.

The shortlisted schemes are all in areas where local authorities are
committed to building more homes and keen to deliver improved transport to support the growth of communities. Housing Minister Caroline Flint said the schemes all had the potential to provide transport infrastructure to improve access to town centres and work.

In a reflection of the Government’s commitment to promoting travel choice as a way to combat climate change fifteen of the shortlisted schemes are proposals for sustainable transport solutions such as bus routes, park and ride facilities, improvements to railways or a combination of travel modes.

The Transport Minister, Rosie Winterton, said, “This funding plays a
critical role in supporting Local Authorities to ensure housing developments are properly planned, with high quality infrastructure at the centre. I was delighted by the range of applications we received.” She said the fact that almost half of those selected would reduce the reliance on cars was a sign of real support to new communities with genuine ambitions for changing the way people travelled.

The shortlisted schemes have been selected from more than 160 expressions of interest. Ministers will announce which schemes have been awarded funding early next year. The projects cover Growth Areas and Growth Points with an additional 100 million pounds of Community Infrastructure Funding available to support 13 potential schemes in the Thames Gateway.