The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed seven locations for its new towns programme, after publishing the 12 recommended sites last year.
The locations, set out by the New Towns Taskforce report in September, are expected to provide at least 10,000 new homes each, alongside associated schools, green space and transport links.
The New Towns Taskforce was launched in 2024 under former housing secretary Angela Rayner, to spearhead the government’s ambitions to create a dozen new or expanded communities.
The confirmed locations include Tempsford in Bedfordshire, where up to 40,000 homes will be built around a new East West Rail station, as well as the Crews Hill and Chase Park site in Enfield, with potential for up to 21,000 homes.
The other five sites are: Leeds South Bank, with potential for 20,000 homes; Manchester Victoria North (15,000 homes); Thamesmead in Greenwich (15,000 homes); Milton Keynes (40,000 homes); and Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc in South Gloucestershire (40,000 homes).
The government said six locations – Adlington; Heyford Park; Marlcombe (East Devon); Plymouth; South Barking; and Wychavon Town – will not be taken forward, despite being dubbed as “credible development opportunities”.
Housing secretary Steve Reed, who unveiled the 12 recommended sites at the Labour Conference last year, 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 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.”
In a bid to drive the plans, the government has made four appointments to its New Towns Unit, which includes Lyn Garner, former chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation and Ian Piper, former chief executive of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.
Also joining the unit is 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.
Alongside a new consultation on the proposed locations, the government also confirmed the National Housing Bank will be launched on 1 April. It will be backed with up to £16bn of financial capacity and will aim to support the development of over 500,000 homes.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor