The Labour government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament
As well as proposed changes to the NPPF, the government has announced its intention to deliver the largest programme of new towns since the post-war years.
Housing expert Sir Michael Lyons, supported by Dame Kate Barker, has now been appointed to lead an independent taskforce to assist in the delivery. New towns will have the minimum requirement of 10,000 homes each, creating a population of circa 24,000 people.
The programme will include large-scale new communities separate from existing settlements as well as urban extensions and regeneration schemes. The new communities will be governed by a ‘new towns code’ – a set of rules that developers will have to meet.
Peter Frankum, Savills head of masterplanning and urban design, said: “The proposed new code of practice is an interesting approach and it is hoped it will help ensure well designed, connected, sustainable, affordable homes and high quality places.
“The focus should not just be about housing but community building, economic growth and job creation. To achieve truly successful new communities, we will need to ensure that the right planning and placemaking tools are included to unlock opportunities to create lasting places. A clear understanding of how stewardship and long-term governance of these communities is delivered will be essential for both placemaking and community building.
“Much can be learned from how the recent garden communities programme struggled to deliver both the number of communities and quality of homes. How many of the new communities delivered above and beyond the standard approach to housing delivery?
“There also needs to be consideration of funding and viability, and how longer-term value can be captured and invested into stewardship and community building.
“The speed of the planning process and subsequent delivery is another key issue the new government has focused on, and perhaps some lessons can be learned from the original new towns programme, which was delivered with an understanding of the national significance of the development.
“The taskforce will need to carry out a full review of quality and delivery process, if this next generation of new towns is to succeed. We await the outcomes of taskforce, who will provide their recommendations within the next 12 months.”
