The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, alongside Homes England and ministers, has proposed seven locations for a new generation of new towns. Each site is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several capable of supporting up to 40,000 homes over time.
The UK government has identified seven proposed locations for new towns across England, aiming to deliver tens of thousands of homes through long-term, large-scale development. Announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Homes England, the programme includes integrated infrastructure, transport, and community planning.
The proposals form part of broader efforts to increase housing supply, support economic growth, and provide new opportunities for residents across multiple regions.
Government announces seven proposed new towns
The government has outlined plans for a new generation of towns designed to support long-term housing delivery. The programme aims to create communities built from the ground up with coordinated planning across housing, infrastructure, and services. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- National housing expansion programme
- Integrated community planning model
Locations and housing capacity outlined
Seven locations across England have been identified for consideration, each with varying capacity for new housing development. Several sites are expected to deliver tens of thousands of homes depending on long-term build-out.
Proposed locations and housing delivery
| Tempsford, Bedfordshire | Up to 40,000 homes linked to East West Rail |
| Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield | Up to 21,000 homes supporting London demand |
| Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire | Up to 20,000 homes linked to regional growth |
| Manchester Victoria North | At least 15,000 homes with transport integration |
| Thamesmead, Greenwich | Up to 15,000 homes with DLR extension support |
| Brabazon and West Innovation Arc | Up to 40,000 homes within research economy |
| Milton Keynes expansion | Around 40,000 homes with new transport system |
Infrastructure and community planning approach
The proposed towns are intended to integrate housing with transport links, green spaces, and local services from the outset. Planning principles include walkable neighbourhoods and access to employment, education, and health facilities.
- Transport and connectivity planning
- Green spaces and community infrastructure
National Housing Bank and funding support
The government has confirmed the launch of the National Housing Bank alongside the new town proposals. The Bank is expected to provide long-term financial capacity to support housing delivery and unlock private investment.
Funding commitments and delivery targets
| National Housing Bank | Up to £16 billion capacity to support housing delivery |
| Private investment unlocked | Over £53 billion expected through partnerships |
| Homes target | More than 500,000 homes supported nationally |
| Additional subsidy support | Up to £400 million over ten years |
Planning reform and economic objectives
The programme forms part of wider efforts to address housing shortages and improve planning outcomes. Ministers have linked the initiative to broader economic plans focused on growth, stability, and long-term development.
Additional development opportunities and regional funding
Further locations were assessed but are not being taken forward as new towns at this stage, though some may continue under existing programmes. Additional funding has also been allocated to support housing development on brownfield land across multiple regions.
Stakeholder Comments
Steve Reed, Housing Secretary said;
“People want real change – homes they can afford, local infrastructure that works, and good jobs in thriving communities. Our next generation of new towns marks a turning point in how we build for the future.”
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer said;
“For decades this country’s planning system has been a direct obstacle to building new homes, ramping up costs and pricing young people out of the housing market.”
Simon Century, National Housing Bank Chief Executive said;
“From day one, we’ll use deep expertise to back innovative, large-scale delivery — accelerating the supply of high-quality affordable homes and thriving places people want to live.”
Wrapping Up
The proposed new towns programme sets out a long-term approach to increasing housing supply across England. By combining large-scale development with infrastructure planning and financial support, the government aims to deliver new communities aligned with economic and regional growth priorities.
Final decisions on locations will follow consultation and assessment processes later in the year.
Sources: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Homes England, The Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Matthew Pennycook MP and the HM Treasury.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
