Morning, Tuesday, 10th June 2025
Online
This conference will examine progress and next steps for developing new towns in England, with the Government’s aim of having 12 new towns under construction by the end of this Parliament.
Looking ahead to the New Towns Taskforce final report
The conference will be an opportunity to discuss priorities for the New Towns Taskforce, appointed to advise government on the delivery of new towns, as it prepares final recommendations, following recent publication of its interim update. Delegates will also consider issues being focused on in the House of Lords Built Environment Committee inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements.
Areas for discussion include what will be needed for the development and rollout of new towns if government ambitions for housebuilding are to be achieved, how local support can be fostered and sustained, challenges for infrastructure delivery including utilities and transport provision, the capacity of local authorities to deliver large-scale projects, and addressing potential impact on the environment and existing communities. We also expect delegates to look at what can be learnt from previous approaches to the development of new towns.
Impact of wider planning policy
The discussion will also take place within the context of wider proposed changes to housing and infrastructure policy in the recently introduced Planning and Infrastructure Bill, including expanded powers and new measures governing development corporations, as well as obligations for transport authorities to cooperate with new town developers. Reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework will also be discussed, alongside broader aims relating to governance and devolution, infrastructure, and industrial policy.
Potential new town locations
Sessions in the agenda will consider the criteria for selecting new town locations, the release of land for new towns, standards developers must meet, key infrastructure required to promote strong communities and drive economic growth, as well as providing long-term delivery and stewardship mechanisms, and engaging effectively with stakeholders.
With the Taskforce currently considering potential developments ahead of its recommendations, delegates will discuss key issues for potential locations capable of accommodating at least 10,000 new homes, considering both standalone settlements and urban extensions, and how these contribute to meeting housing demand by 2050.
Capabilities for implementation
Further sessions will look at delivery mechanisms, including long-term infrastructure planning, skills provision and shortages, land acquisition, and engagement with developers, as well as stewardship arrangements to ensure successful delivery over the longer-term.
Quality, standards and local engagement
We also expect discussion on key issues regarding development of a proposed New Towns Prospectus and options for determining standards, including provisions for social and affordable housing, design quality, transport connectivity, and green spaces. Strategies for engagement with stakeholders and effective collaboration will be discussed, as well as what can be learned from best practice in creating cohesive and sustainable communities from previous new town developments.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from MHCLG; Defra; Cabinet Office; DfT; DBT; Homes England; Home Office; and the Welsh Government.
