TALKS are under way about potential locations for an eco-friendly development in Yeovil.

South Somerset District Council, which is planning for an urban extension to the town to cater for growing housing and employment needs, has successfully secured £730,000 toward a world-leading eco-development on the edge of the town.

The development would include at least 40 per cent parkland, zero-carbon homes, employment, local services on-site for residents, with opportunities for walking and cycling. The council is aiming for less traffic congestion and state of the art technologies for handling water and waste.

Although more than six months away from firm options for a location, the district council has been inviting representatives from the town council and every parish council neighbouring Yeovil to discuss broad search areas in which a development could go.

Councillor Peter Seib, South Somerset District Council portfolio holder for economic development, planning and transport said: "We held two workshops at the start of the identification process and after consultation this summer, we will whittle down a preferred location.

The initial studies, carried out by district council officers with information from county council highways, recommended that areas to the south of Yeovil could be the best area to now discuss in more detail.

"It isn't a small task as we are planning for an average of 1.3 per cent growth to Yeovil per year, but we will ensure this is a development with excellent transport links, employment and sustainable housing."