Concerns are being raised about the government’s new towns programme, with senior planners questioning its ambition and commitment to social housing. Critics suggest the current plan may fall short of addressing the needs of those most impacted by the UK’s housing shortage.
New Towns: A Return to Form or a Missed Opportunity?
Lee Shostak, former director of planning at Milton Keynes Development Corporation (MKDC) in the 1970s and later chair of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), expressed skepticism that the new towns will alleviate pressure on council house waiting lists in major cities. He pointed to Milton Keynes’ original design – specifically created to ease London’s housing burden with a substantial stock of council housing – as a model not being replicated in the current proposals.
Shostak stated, “There’s talk about 40% of the homes as affordable housing, most of which will not be social housing and there’s no indication whatsoever those homes will be available for people moving from London or other urban areas.” He added that the fundamental premise of the original new towns programme – providing affordable housing options for those unable to buy – appears to be absent from the current initiative.
In September, a government taskforce recommended 12 potential locations for new towns, as part of a broader commitment to building 1.5 million homes. Keir Starmer has stated his intention to begin building at least three new towns during the current parliamentary term, with the possibility of more to follow.
Scale and Leadership Concerns
John Walker, a former planning director at MKDC and later chief executive of the Commission for the New Towns, echoed Shostak’s concerns, questioning the scale of the proposed developments. He noted that none of the proposed towns are comparable in size to Milton Keynes or other large new towns built in the past. He also expressed uncertainty about whether the project has sufficient leadership and resources to make a significant impact.
Walker described the areas designated for the “fourth generation” of new towns as often being modest expansions of existing communities or regeneration projects, rather than entirely new settlements. He emphasized the need to replicate the “prosperity, the excitement and the vision” of earlier new town developments.
Both Shostak and Walker highlighted the importance of government-backed new town corporations with land ownership and planning powers to deliver homes and infrastructure at scale. Without such entities, they fear the private sector may be hesitant to take on the necessary risks.
Local Opposition and Transparency
The new towns programme has not been without local opposition. Residents of Adlington in Cheshire have expressed anger over proposals to build 20,000 new homes in their village, a plan formally opposed by Cheshire East council. The leader of neighbouring Stockport council likened the selection of Adlington to a random decision made “in a boardroom in Westminster.” Aysha Hawcutt, a local resident campaigning against the development, stated, “It’s not an exaggeration to say the whole village is traumatised.”
Katy Lock, director of communities at the TCPA, criticized the lack of a strategic approach to identifying locations and insufficient public engagement in the process. She noted a general “mistrust in planning” and argued that the new towns programme presents an opportunity to be more transparent and inclusive.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government rejected the criticisms, stating that the programme will deliver 40% affordable housing and “restore the dream of homeownership.” They also affirmed continued collaboration with local leaders to ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the new towns programme?
The government’s new towns programme aims to build 1.5 million homes and address the country’s housing crisis, with plans to begin building at least three new towns during the current parliament.
What concerns have been raised about the programme?
Senior planners have expressed concerns about a lack of ambition, insufficient commitment to social housing, and the scale of the proposed developments, suggesting they may not adequately address the needs of those most in need of housing.
What is considered key to the success of the new towns programme?
According to former planners, the creation of government-backed new town corporations with land ownership and planning powers is crucial for delivering homes and infrastructure at scale.
Given the concerns raised by experienced planners and the local opposition in some areas, how can the government ensure the new towns programme delivers on its promise of affordable and sustainable housing for all?
