Critics Question Ambition and Impact of UK Government's New Towns Housing Plan
Senior planners involved in the postwar development of new towns have criticized the UK government's latest plan to build 12 new towns and 1.5 million homes, citing a lack of ambition and insufficient commitment to social housing.
The government, through a taskforce in September, identified 12 potential new town locations as part of Prime Minister's housing commitments. However, Lee Shostak warns that many of these proposed sites appear to be expansions of existing towns rather than standalone new towns, raising doubts about whether the affordable homes will truly assist those unable to purchase property or those relocating from London.
John Walker added that the plan is not ambitious enough, contrasting it with the development of Milton Keynes. He advocates for government-backed new town corporations equipped with land ownership and planning powers to effectively deliver housing at scale. Proponents note that Milton Keynes' growth was dependent on such powers and resources, cautioning that without similar authorities, progress may falter and the private sector might shy away from taking risks.
Local opposition has arisen in Adlington, Cheshire, where a proposed 20,000-home standalone development has left residents feeling traumatised. Locals claim the plans benefit a private company more than they address genuine housing needs.
Katy Lock of the Town and Country Planning Association criticized the government's lack of strategic site selection and public engagement. She called for transparent processes and the creation of high-quality, genuinely affordable communities with strong environmental standards.
Responding to these concerns, spokespersons from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) rejected the criticisms, emphasizing a target of 40% affordable homes within the plan. They affirmed that the programme aims to restore homeownership and will be delivered with necessary infrastructure and collaboration with local communities.
Labour leader Keir Starmer also stated his intention to begin at least three new towns during this Parliament and to pursue additional towns if feasible.
