Government Unveils Seven New Towns to Tackle Housing Shortage Across England

The government is proposing to build seven new towns to ease the housing shortage. This will enable more people to get on the property ladder.

Where the New Towns Will Be Built

Each location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes. Furthermore, several will deliver 40,000 or more in the decades to come.

The government says the towns will create well-connected new communities with homes, jobs, schools, green space and transport links planned from the start.

Proposed Locations and Key Features

The proposed locations are:

• Tempsford, Bedfordshire — up to 40,000 homes built around a new East West Rail station. This will link residents to Cambridge, Oxford, London and Milton Keynes.
• Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield — up to 21,000 homes helping to meet London’s acute housing need
• Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire — up to 20,000 homes capitalising on the city’s economic momentum. Additionally, the government’s £2.1 billion local transport investment will support growth.
• Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester — at least 15,000 homes regenerating the heart of Greater Manchester. There will also be a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city.
• Thamesmead, Greenwich — up to 15,000 homes unlocking inaccessible riverside land in London, enabled by the planned Docklands Light Railway extension
• Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire — up to 40,000 homes at the heart of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy.
• Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire — building on its history as one of the original new towns, to take forward the ‘renewed town’ vision. The plan will expand the city by around 40,000 homes and reinvigorate the centre with a new local transport system. This will boost connectivity in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.

What the New Towns Aim to Deliver

Ministers say the towns will be designed for modern, everyday life – with neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car. Furthermore, there will be shared green spaces and vibrant high streets.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

“These new towns will create affordable and balanced communities with the schools, health facilities and community infrastructure neighbourhoods need, supported by high quality public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure.”

Public Consultation Now Open

A public consultation on the proposed locations and draft planning policy is open until Monday 18 May and will be published shortly. The final locations will be confirmed later this year after the consultation.

Get Expert Guidance on Buying or Selling Property

With major development plans on the horizon, these proposals may influence property values, buyer demand, transport links and conveyancing requirements across the region. Our experienced Residential Conveyancing team advises clients throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond. We can help you understand how large-scale developments may affect your move.

Contact our specialist conveyancing solicitors today to discuss your property plans and next steps.

About the Author

Eugene is a Partner in Machins Solicitors’ Residential Conveyancing team. He graduated from Newcastle University, trained at the College of Law and qualified as a solicitor in 2002. Since joining Machins, he has built extensive experience in all areas of residential property, becoming a Partner in 2021.