The New Towns Taskforce has recently announced recommended locations for the next generation of new towns, following publication of its independent report.
In doing so, it has confirmed that each new town will have at least 10,000 homes, with a minimum of 40% as affordable housing, half of which will be available for social rent.
In response to the report, the government has said that it aims to begin building at least three of the new towns in this Parliament.
The 12 locations the taskforce has recommended as potential new towns include:
- A standalone settlement in Adlington, Cheshire East.
- A corridor of connected development in South Gloucestershire, across Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc.
- An expanded development bringing together Chase Park and Crews Hill in Enfield.
- Redevelopment of the former airbase at Heyford Park in Cherwell.
- Urban development in Leeds.
- Inner-city development and densification in Manchester, Victoria North.
- A standalone settlement in Marlcombe, East Devon.
- A ‘Renewed Town’ in Milton Keynes.
- Densified development in Plymouth.
- A new settlement in Tempsford, Central Bedfordshire.
- The creation of a riverside settlement in Thamesmead, Greenwich.
- Expanded development at Worcestershire Parkway, Wychavon.
Source: GOV.UK
The government revealed in its response that at this stage the “sites at Tempsford, Crews Hill and Leeds South Bank look most promising”. They have also stated their intent to progress work on more locations if it proves possible.
To assist the New Towns Taskforce, led by Sir Michael Lyons, a new New Towns Unit will be established. It will be their job to work alongside all departments and their agencies in ensuring the new towns are built.
The government has said that “a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be undertaken to understand the environmental implications of developing new towns. No final decisions on locations will be made until this assessment concludes, and preferred locations could change as a result of the process”.
They will be looking for assurance that any location “can be effectively and efficiently delivered in partnership with local communities, has a clear economic purpose, and will support economic growth”.
The draft proposals and final SEA for consultation will be published in Spring 2026. The locations that will be progressed as new towns will be announced afterward.
Commenting on the New Towns Taskforce’s commitment to affordable housing, Peter Luck, Managing Director, ROCC, said: “The ambition to ensure that at least 40% of homes in these new towns are affordable, with half available for social rent, is a welcome and much-needed step in addressing the housing crisis.
“At ROCC, we know that delivering high-quality homes is only part of the equation; ensuring they are backed by robust, intelligent service infrastructure from day one is just as vital.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to support local authorities and housing providers with the digital solutions required to manage these new communities efficiently, sustainably and with the residents’ needs at the centre.”
You can read the full New Towns Taskforce report here.
The initial government response can be found here.
