A town has emerged relatively unscathed from a multi-billion pound plan for 120,000 homes which has been coined a concrete countryside by critics.

Three areas have been earmarked for new housing in Crawley, between them creating a total of 190 homes.

The sites at Pegler Way, in West Green, Tushmore roundabout, on the outskirts of the centre, and Tinsley Lane, on the north east side of the town, are all owned by English Partnership.

Ninety of the homes are hoped to be affordable housing for key sector workers, such as teachers, nurses and policemen.

The announcement coincides with deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's multi-billion pound spending package to ease demand for housing in the South-East. It includes 120,000 homes and 180,000 jobs in the Thames Gateway area by 2016.

English Partnership is part of the Housing Partnership, which also includes the Housing Corporation and John Prescott's office.

Ted Beresford-Knox, head of planning at Crawley Borough Council, welcomed the plans for 190 new homes.

He said: "It is a relatively small number but I think it is good news for the town.

"The Housing Partnership initiative is in principal positive as affordable housing is a priority for Crawley.

"The Pegler Way and Tushmore roundabout sites have both been granted planning permission and are well progressed.

"The Tinsley Lane site is on a playing field and is still speculative."

Friday August 1, 2003