At Labour Party Conference this weekend, Steve Reed MP confirmed that three new towns will begin construction before the next general election. This is a significant announcement, and is a reminder of the scale of ambition needed to tackle the housing crisis. The independent New Towns Taskforce has identified 12 potential locations across England, with Tempsford, Crews Hill and Leeds South Bank highlighted as the first to move forward. Each is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with 40% affordable, half of which would be for social rent.
This as a huge opportunity. But the success of new towns will not be judged by how quickly the houses go up or even by how many. It will be judged by whether these places work for the people who live in them.
People First
At conference this week, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government was keen to remind those listening that the heart of a town is its people. The history of post-war new towns shows us that bricks and mortar alone cannot create communities. Homes must be designed as part of a bigger picture: where families feel safe, neighbours connect, job opportunities are plenty and people can see a future for themselves.
Healthy and safe towns are built on access to green space, safe walking and cycling routes, and good schools and healthcare. They should be places where young people want to grow up and older people can stay active and independent.
Master Planning Matters
This is why master planning is so critical. We need towns that are not only liveable today but resilient for decades to come. That means embedding sustainability from the start: designing with energy efficiency in mind, investing in clean transport, and making sure new development protects and enhances the natural environment.
A master planned approach ensures infrastructure keeps pace with growth and that the services people rely on are delivered alongside homes, not years later.
Economies that Work for Everyone
Equally important is economic planning. Towns thrive when they offer good jobs and diverse opportunities. Over-reliance on a single employer is a risk; resilience comes from variety. By planning for a mix of employers, ensuring access to wider labour markets, and supporting skills and training, we can create places that are not just sustainable, but prosperous.
A Chance We Cannot Miss
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. If this is done right, these new towns will be more than housing schemes. They will be thriving, inclusive communities with sustainability, opportunity, and resilience at their core.
The government has signalled its intent to “build baby build”. But building homes is only the start. Building communities is what will make these towns sustainable places for generations to come.
