:
UK: The government has unveiled the locations of seven New Towns, which are expected to deliver at least 10,000 new homes each.
The proposed locations are:
- Tempsford, Bedfordshire
- Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield, London
- Leeds South Bank, Yorkshire
- Manchester Victoria North
- Thamesmead, London
- Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire
- Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
Lyn Garner, former chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation; Ian Piper, former chief executive of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation; Emma Cariaga, chief operating officer of British Land and David Rudlin, founding principal of Rudlin & Co, have been appointed interim advisers to support the government’s New Towns Unit.
Housing secretary Steve Reed, said: “People want real change – homes they can afford, local infrastructure that works, and good jobs in thriving communities. Our next generation of new towns marks a turning point in how we build for the future. From the ground up, we’re planning whole communities with homes, jobs, transport links, and green spaces designed together – so we can give families the security and opportunities they deserve.”
Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves added: “For decades this country’s planning system has been a direct obstacle to building new homes, ramping up costs and pricing young people out of the housing market. Two years ago, I promised that we would grasp the nettle of planning reform. Now we’re planning to build a new generation of new towns, opening up the expansion of our most dynamic cities and raise up new communities. Our economic plan is the right one. Through stability, investment and reform we are building a stronger and more secure economy.”
The government assessed six further new town locations – Adlington, Lancashire; Heyford Park, Oxfordshire; Marlcombe, Devon; Plymouth, Devon;, South Barking, London; and Wychavon Town, Worcestershire – which will not be taken forward as new towns at this stage, but are deemed to be credible development opportunities and may continue to be supported through existing housing programmes.
The government has also announced an additional £234 million grant fund to help mayoral combined authorities unlock 8,000 new homes on derelict brownfield land.
