New Towns Introduced to Bridge Home Delivery Gap

Ministers have announced plans for seven large-scale new communities across London and regional growth corridors. Each location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several schemes scaling to about 40,000.

The programme aims to use transport investment to unlock development and support jobs. Planners say the new towns should help bridge the home delivery gap.

Planned locations and scale

• Tempsford, Bedfordshire.
  Up to 40,000 homes centred on a new East West Rail station. The station will connect Oxford, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and London.
• Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield.
  Up to 21,000 homes to ease London’s housing pressure. The schemes target outer London growth.
• Leeds South Bank.
  Up to 20,000 homes linked to a £2.1bn transport investment. The plan ties housing to major infrastructure upgrades.
• Manchester Victoria North.
  At least 15,000 homes supported by new Metrolink connections. The area will expand around improved public transport.
• Thamesmead, Greenwich.
  Up to 15,000 homes backed by a proposed DLR extension. The extension aims to increase connectivity to central London.
• Brabazon and West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire.
  Up to 40,000 homes linked to advanced engineering and research hubs. The site targets high-skilled jobs and R&D.
• Milton Keynes expansion.
  Around 40,000 homes as part of a renewed town growth strategy. Planners envisage a large-scale, long-term expansion.

Delivery model and governance

The proposals mark a return to state-backed new town delivery. Ministers intend to plan whole communities from the ground up.

Developments will include homes, jobs, schools and green space. The Government plans to revive development corporations to speed delivery.

Senior advisers appointed

A team of senior advisers has been named to guide delivery. Appointments include Lyn Garner and Ian Piper.

Funding and financial support

A National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April. It will have up to £16bn of capacity.

The bank is expected to unlock more than £53bn of private investment. Officials say it will support delivery of over 500,000 homes.

An additional £400m will subsidise loans and de-risk schemes. A further £234m has been allocated to mayoral authorities.

The £234m aims to unlock about 8,000 homes on brownfield land. Ministers present this as targeted support for complex sites.

Timeline, consultation and risks

A public consultation on the proposed locations runs until 18 May. Final sites are due to be confirmed later this year.

Early enabling works on priority schemes are expected within two to three years. Full build-out will stretch over decades.

Delivery depends on planning reforms and the establishment of delivery bodies. The programme points to a long pipeline for contractors across housing, civils and infrastructure.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments as details and timelines are finalised.