The UK government has confirmed the locations for seven new towns proposed to kickstart a housebuilding push across the country. The new towns form part of an extension to the 1946 New Towns Act, a series of parliamentary acts created to alleviate housing shortages after World War II. That initiative led to the creation of 32 communities now home to millions of people. The government is now looking to honor its manifesto commitment with the creation of seven new towns over the coming years.
Proposed Locations
The proposed locations include Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Leeds South Bank in West Yorkshire, Crews Hill and Chase Park in Enfield, Manchester Victoria North in Greater Manchester, Thamesmead in Greenwich, Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc in South Gloucestershire, and Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Each town aims to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several targeting up to 40,000 homes. All developments are expected to meet a 40% affordable housing target.
Community Infrastructure
According to the government, the towns will help create affordable and balanced communities, featuring schools, health facilities, high-quality public transport, and walking and cycling infrastructure. These towns will be designed for modern, everyday life, with neighborhoods that people can easily navigate without a car, shared green spaces, and vibrant high streets.
Details of Each Town
Tempsford, Bedfordshire
Up to 40,000 homes are proposed around a new East West Rail station, linking residents to Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Milton Keynes.
Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield
Up to 21,000 homes are proposed to meet London's acute housing need.
Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire
Up to 20,000 homes are planned to capitalize on the city's economic momentum and the government's £2.1 billion local transport investment.
Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester
At least 15,000 homes are regenerating the heart of Greater Manchester, with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city.
Thamesmead, Greenwich
Up to 15,000 homes are unlocking inaccessible riverside land in London, enabled by the planned Docklands Light Railway extension.
Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire
Up to 40,000 homes would be built near the heart of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy.
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Plans would expand the city by around 40,000 homes and reinvigorate the center with a new local transport system.
Government Statements
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.'
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 raising new communities.'
Public Consultation
A public consultation on the proposed locations and draft planning policy is underway until May 18. The government also assessed six additional locations—Adlington, Heyford Park, Marlcombe (East Devon), Plymouth, South Barking, and Wychavon Town—but these will not be taken forward.
Interim Advisers Appointed
The government has appointed four interim advisers to help with the new towns initiative: 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 and principal author of the UK Government's National Model Design Code.
