The UK Government has revealed plans to move forward with the development of the “next generation” of new towns in England.
The announcement is an initial response to an independent report by the New Towns Taskforce that recommends 12 possible locations.
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Sir Michael Lyons led the government-commissioned taskforce appointed to assess large-scale development strategies.
The government acknowledges all the recommended locations and notes the broader suggestions on delivery and implementation.
According to the response, Tempsford, Crews Hill, and Leeds South Bank are currently considered “most promising”.
The government aims to start construction on the three new towns “in this parliament” and may expand to additional sites if feasible.
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By GlobalDataTo oversee progress, the government will create a New Towns Unit responsible for advancing new town developments.
This unit will collaborate with various departments and agencies with the aim of addressing barriers to delivery and testing new approaches.
The taskforce’s report advises the creation of diverse communities through urban extensions, regeneration efforts, and standalone greenfield developments.
According to its recommendations, each new town should accommodate at least 10,000 homes, targeting a minimum of 40% affordable housing, half of which would be allocated for social rent.
The taskforce also highlights the necessity for accountable delivery organisations capable of ensuring long-term stability for residents.
A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is planned to evaluate the environmental impacts of potential new town development.
Final decisions on which locations will proceed depend on the outcome of this assessment, and preferred sites may change based on its findings.
The government has stated it will require evidence demonstrating that any selected location can be delivered efficiently in partnership with local communities, has a defined economic function, and promotes economic growth.
Different delivery models will be trialled to inform future approaches to establishing large settlements and to assist broader housing supply reform, said the government.
Draft proposals and the SEA are scheduled for public consultation in spring, after which final site selections will be confirmed alongside a comprehensive government response to the taskforce’s report.
The identified sites span several regions including Adlington in Cheshire East, South Gloucestershire’s Brabazon and West Innovation Arc corridor, Crews Hill in Enfield, Heyford Park in Cherwell, and South Bank in Leeds.
It also includes Victoria North in Manchester, Marlcombe in East Devon, Milton Keynes city centre and north/east expansions, Plymouth’s densification initiatives, Tempsford in Central Bedfordshire, riverside development at Thamesmead in Greenwich, and Worcestershire Parkway in Wychavon.
