The initiative is part of Starmer’s commitment to delivering the most ambitious housebuilding programme since the post-war era
Up to 12 new towns are set to be under construction before the next general election, following the identification of 100 potential locations across England. The initiative is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to delivering the most ambitious housebuilding programme since the post-war era.
Each of the planned new towns will accommodate at least 10,000 homes along with essential infrastructure. The government has pledged to streamline planning regulations and address environmental concerns to ensure these developments progress without unnecessary delays.
Prime Minister Starmer revealed that he was inspired by a visit to a housing development in Cornwall alongside King Charles. He praised the quality of the homes and noted that social housing was indistinguishable from privately owned properties. Responding to concerns that the monarch was being drawn into politics, Starmer clarified: “I wanted to see it for myself, but I don’t want to draw the King into it.”
Despite assurances of prioritising brownfield land, the Prime Minister did not rule out the possibility that some of the new towns could be developed on greenbelt land, citing the necessity of meeting housing demands while preserving the countryside’s natural beauty.
The initiative forms part of Labour’s broader plan to construct 1.5 million homes during its first term in government. England has long faced a chronic housing shortage, and previous attempts to create large-scale developments, such as David Cameron’s ‘garden cities’ and Gordon Brown’s ‘eco-towns,’ have faltered in the face of local opposition.
More than 100 proposals have been submitted by councils across England, with a focus on creating “beautiful communities” featuring affordable housing, infrastructure, GP surgeries, and schools. While the highest number of applications have come from the overcrowded south-east, final site selections will also take into account locations in the Midlands and areas on both sides of the Thames Estuary.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has stated that the new towns will be influenced by successful developments such as the garden suburbs of Roundhay in Leeds and the garden cities of Letchworth and Welwyn. Most of the planned new towns are expected to be extensions of existing urban areas rather than standalone settlements. The developments will be overseen by regional development corporations, with initial government funding allocated for land acquisition. The expectation is that once land values increase, the sites will be sold to private developers, with profits reinvested into infrastructure projects.
Starmer emphasised that home ownership remains an unattainable dream for many people, highlighting the disconnection between hard work and economic security. “This is about more than just bricks and mortar,” he said. “It’s about the security and stability that owning your own home brings. The roof over our heads was everything for our family growing up.”
At least 40% of the new homes will be classified as affordable, including social housing. A ‘new towns code’ will ensure that these developments incorporate architectural character, tree-lined streets, and references to local history. There will also be a strong emphasis on public transport connectivity, healthcare facilities, schools, and green spaces.
Potential locations for new town extensions include Norwich, Reading, Stratford-upon-Avon, Taunton, Exeter, Harrogate, Preston, Carlisle, and Guildford, all of which benefit from proximity to existing rail networks. Possible sites for new towns include areas between Derby and Nottingham, Bedford and Northampton, and Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.
In addition to the new towns initiative, the government has announced measures to revive stalled housing projects, unlocking 20,000 new homes. Three sites—Frome Gateway in Bristol, south of Cayton in North Yorkshire, and Beam Park in Dagenham—will receive support under the ‘new homes accelerator’ scheme.
Further efforts to regenerate brownfield sites include a £30 million investment in Bradford, £1.5 million for a scheme at Manchester Victoria North, and £20 million for small-scale council-owned developments across England.
A new mechanism to resolve disputes between developers and government agencies involved in the planning process has also been introduced. Organisations such as National Highways, Natural England, and the Environment Agency will be required to collaborate with planners and housebuilders, with a £1 million fund to expedite approvals.
Additionally, a £2 million package will support the Building Safety Regulator in fast-tracking high-rise housing projects, while local councils will receive £3 million in grants to bolster planning capacity.
With these ambitious plans, the government hopes to address England’s housing crisis and make home ownership more accessible to working families.
