UK Government Advances Plans for Three New Towns Following Taskforce Report
The UK government has confirmed it will progress work on developing new towns across England, following the publication of an independent report that recommends 12 potential locations. The New Towns Taskforce, led by Sir Michael Lyons, was commissioned by the government to explore different approaches to large-scale development and has delivered its findings outlining a strategic vision for creating new communities.
At this stage, three sites have been identified as 'most promising' by the government: Tempsford in Central Bedfordshire, Crews Hill in Enfield, and Leeds South Bank. The Tempsford location aims to maximize East West Rail connectivity within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, while Crews Hill is positioned to alleviate housing stress in London. Leeds South Bank will benefit from the government's £2.1bn local transport funding to support its development.
Each proposed new town would contain at least 10,000 homes, with ambitions for 40% of these to be affordable housing and half of that allocation designated for social rent. The Taskforce report emphasizes the importance of creating high-quality places that respond to local context while being resilient, sustainable, and well-connected. The government has established a New Towns Unit to progress development and work across departments to ensure these communities become test beds for innovation.
A Strategic Environmental Assessment will now be undertaken to understand the environmental implications of developing new towns before final decisions are made. The government has stated its determination to begin building in at least three new towns during this Parliament while remaining prepared to progress work on a broader range of locations if feasible. The full list of 12 recommended locations includes additional sites in Adlington, South Gloucestershire, Heyford Park, and other strategic areas across England.
