COUNTRYSIDE campaigners last night condemned the Government's decision to back an eco-town in the Westcountry, warning the region's economy could be put at risk.

In a defiant criticism of the plans for a green community at St Austell, Cornwall, the Campaign to Protect Rural England dismissed the project as a "political statement" from the Government against the wishes of local people.

But supporters of the plan – promising 5,500 green homes and 5,000 jobs across six former clay mines – insist it could bring a major boost to the region.

Housing minister John Healey announced on Thursday that the St Austell bid, headed by mining firm Imerys, was one of just four eco-towns to receive Government backing. Gordon Brown said it meant Cornwall could "pioneer" ways of living in a more environmentally-friendly way.

However, CPRE Cornwall is "dismayed" by the "inappropriate" plans.

A campaign group dismissed the description that the proposal was "not an eco-town, but six eco-villages" adding there was "no need" for the development "because there is unlikely to be sufficient local employment opportunities".

Public transport was "limited" and the houses would come on top of thousands already proposed in the Regional Spatial Strategy planning blueprint.

Ted Venn, from CPRE Cornwall, said he thought the whole project was a "political statement".

"The Government is trying to show it's green and, as with wind farms, is imposing this on areas of the country just to prove it is committed.

"It is not taking into account what local people really want."

The Regional Spatial Strategy proposes around 70,000 more homes for Cornwall by 2026.

But Mr Venn said the eco-homes would be in addition, putting pressure on the environment.

"The whole combination of the eco-towns and the regional spatial strategy and the infrastructure that will be associated with it will destroy the natural environment of Cornwall. It will ruin the appeal of the tourist industry.

"We are not against change. We understand that houses have to be built, but not at great numbers to the detriment of the countryside and the tourist economy."

However, supporters of the bid insist it could be a major boost for both St Austell and the wider Westcountry.

Ashley Shopland, Imerys' UK kaolin operations director, said the project "will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits" and vowed to work with public and private sector partners and the wider community, to agree details of the proposals.

And Coun Graeme Hicks, the Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport and planning, said there would be extensive local public consultation with an "immediate emphasis on community engagement".

The scheme is also "a priority area for investment" for the Regional Development Agency.

Clay mining firm Imerys has proposed 5,500 homes and 5,000 jobs in new communities across six former mines.

Powered by renewable energy, people living in the new houses would be able to work from home, drive electric cars and use enhanced public transport.