The majority of the ‘New Towns’ spearheaded by Labour will actually comprise of extensions to existing towns and cities, the government said.
There will be a smaller number of standalone settlements, while work is expected on the new developments from 2029.
There have been 100 sites put forward, with the final 10 to 12 being announced in six months’ time.
To be classed as a New Town there needs to be the potential to deliver at least 10,000 homes, alongside infrastructure to support them.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “New Towns are key to solving the housing crisis as they can set affordable price points for homes, attract businesses with the promise of strategic employment land, and build all things a community needs to ensure housing and infrastructure are not competing for limited land availability.
“The government should be commended for taking on the NIMBYs to deliver new towns, and it will greatly help them toward their 1.5m home target and delivery of sustainable and strategic growth.”
The sites are likely to be brownfield and semi developed greyfield, though greenfield land hasn’t been ruled out entirely.
Greg Reed, group chief executive of Places for People, said: “We especially welcome Government’s commitment today to ensuring the right infrastructure is rubberstamped into plans for new towns before spades hit the ground. These projects should put people first and Community engagement, provision of GPs, transport links, shops, schools and green space must be at the heart of any new such project.
“Today is just one piece of the puzzle and the housing crisis remains deep-rooted and multi-faceted. Plans unveiled here must be followed up with a bold, long-term and integrated approach to tackling the housing, health and social care challenges that continue to plague the UK.”
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