Multitude of proposals put forward for establishing novel English municipalities
The British government is taking a bold step forward in addressing England's housing crisis by initiating a new generation of new towns. This ambitious project, part of an extensive government initiative to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030, includes new settlements, urban extensions, and large brownfield developments targeting over 10,000 homes each[1].
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, local authorities and the private sector will work closely under the guidance of a New Towns Taskforce (NTT). The role of the NTT is to accelerate large-scale housing projects by coordinating development through partnerships involving private sector entities, local authorities, and possibly Development Corporations. The Taskforce helps streamline the application, planning, and delivery processes by addressing complex issues such as planning uncertainties, land assembly, infrastructure viability, and financing challenges[1].
Principles for the next generation of new towns have been established, emphasizing partnership with the private sector, long-term economic sustainability, and innovation in delivery structures like Development Corporations to meet the ambitious housing targets efficiently[1][4]. New towns must not only meet immediate housing needs but also support broader economic objectives over the long term. Delivery must resolve complex challenges such as planning process certainty, coordination of infrastructure and land assembly, and financial viability given the government’s fiscal constraints.
Affordable housing is a key focus, with the NTT establishing clear principles for the next generation of new towns. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to begin construction on 12 new town projects before the next general election. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook is keen to encourage the development of affordable housing in new towns.
Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through new town planning could help reduce a reliance on immigrant labor and rectify the situation where the SME market share continues to drop. SMEs typically employ within 20 miles of their head offices, and research shows that 73% of construction apprentices are trained by SMEs. SMEs are also key to addressing criticisms made by the Competition and Markets Authority about the planning system being anti-competitive and reducing the quality and variety of new homes.
The NTT will review the proposals and publish recommendations this summer. As of now, the government has received 100 applications from councils across England to build new towns. Most of the applications are for extensions to existing towns or cities, with some for new standalone settlements.
Despite the looming stamp duty deadlines continuing to hinder house price growth, new towns could help solve the housing crisis, as stated by Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders. The current housing crisis is evident with 1.28 million households in England on council waiting lists, and research from Crisis shows there was a net loss of 12,000 social homes in England in 2023.
In summary, the new towns application process involves local authorities and the private sector working closely under guidance potentially from a New Towns Taskforce, and within a framework emphasizing financial viability, infrastructure coordination, and streamlined planning. The principles emphasize partnership with the private sector, long-term economic sustainability, and innovation in delivery structures like Development Corporations to meet ambitious housing targets efficiently[1][4].
- The new generation of new towns in England, initiated by the government, will be guided by a New Towns Taskforce to address complex issues like planning uncertainties, land assembly, infrastructure viability, and financing challenges.
- Affordable housing is a significant focus in the new towns, with the NTT setting clear principles and the Prime Minister pledging to start construction on 12 new town projects before the next general election.
- To ensure economic sustainability and resolve critical challenges, principles for the new towns prioritize partnership with the private sector, long-term economic sustainability, and innovative delivery structures like Development Corporations.
- Key concerns regarding the housing crisis, such as the 1.28 million households on council waiting lists in England, can potentially be addressed through the development of these new towns.
- Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within new town planning could help reduce dependence on immigrant labor, rectify the drop in the SME market share, and address criticisms about the quality and variety of new homes.
- With 100 applications from councils across England for both extensions to existing towns and new standalone settlements, the government is closely reviewing the proposals for new towns under the guidance of the New Towns Taskforce. The progress of these applications could shape the future of England's housing market and real-estate sector, significantly impacting policy, legislation, politics, lifestyle, finance, home-and-garden, and general news.
