Walkable cities are step too far for one MP

IT'S an idea few could take issue with having all the services you need such as work, food, health, education and culture within 15 minutes of your house by bike or on foot.

- ROB PARSONS

The urban planning concept of 15-minute cities is gaining traction around the world and in the UK, with leaders in Sheffield and Newcastle among those embracing the idea of self-sufficient neighbourhoods with less need for cars.

But the philosophy has many vocal opponents on the right of politics and last week in the Commons Conservative Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher joined their ranks as he described 15-minute cities as an "international socialist concept" that "will -cost us our personal freedom"

"Sheffield is already on this journey and I do not want Doncaster, which is also a Labour-run socialist council, to do the same"