New eco town for the West?

The distinctive landscape left over from Cornwall's china clay heritage could be used as the backdrop for homes that will shape the county's future housing needs.>The plans for a new eco town in St Austell have already divided opinion, with some opponents branding the scheme a monstrosity.

Clay country's iconic Sky Tip is set to be the centrepiece for a pioneering eco town on the edge of St. Austell. The developers say it'll transform the area.

The plans for the town in west Carclaze include hundreds of new homes - including 450 affordable, a school and shops.

If it's given the go ahead, around 2/3 of the 500 acre site will be green space for a heritage park showcasing the industry which once dominated this part of south east Cornwall.

But 1,200 signatures have been added to a petition opposing the plan. One of its biggest critics is local Cornwall councillor Matthew Luke.

This is the third attempt to develop the area.

The latest plans will be displayed to the public at a series of exhibitions later this month.