Seven new towns proposed

Seven new locations have been proposed for new towns, with each location offering the possibility of 10,000 new homes.

Kempsford, Bedfordshire could provide up to 40,000 new homes around a new East West Rail station, while Crews Hill and Chase Park in Enfield could hold up to 21,000 new homes.

Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire could house up to 20,000 families, capitalising on the city’s economic momentum and the government’s £2.1 billion local transport investment and Manchester Victoria North could be the location for 15,000 homes, with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs.

Up to 15,000 homes could be built at Thamesmead in Greenwich, which would be made possible by the extension of the Docklands Light Railway.

In Milton Keynes, around 40,000 new homes could be built, alongside a new local transport system and at Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire, there could be up to 40,000 new homes at the centre of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy.

Four interim advisers have been appointed to support the New Towns Unit, these include: 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.

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. 

"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 of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: "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."