Government unveils seven new towns in ambitious housing drive

The UK government has named seven locations for a new generation of towns in what ministers are calling the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century.

The announcement, made on 22 March 2026, represents a bold attempt to tackle the nation's housing shortage through large scale, planned communities that echo the post war new towns movement.

Each proposed location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come. The seven sites span England, from Bedfordshire to South Gloucestershire, and include both greenfield developments and urban regeneration projects.

Together, they signal a shift in how Britain approaches housing delivery - moving away from individual smaller developments, towards larger community planning.

The 7 proposed locations

Tempsford, Bedfordshire

Leading the scale of ambition is Tempsford in Bedfordshire, currently a village of just 600 residents, which is set to accommodate up to 40,000 homes built around a new East West Rail station, linking residents to Cambridge, Oxford, London and Milton Keynes.

London Developments

In Greater London, two sites have been selected to help address the capital's acute housing needs. Crews Hill and Chase Park in Enfield will accommodate up to 21,000 homes, while Thamesmead in Greenwich will deliver up to 15,000 homes on a Docklands Light Railway extension. These urban developments reflect the government's recognition that solving Britain's housing crisis requires building within and on the edges of existing cities, not just in the countryside.

Northern England

Northern England features prominently in the plans. Leeds South Bank in West Yorkshire will deliver up to 20,000 homes, capitalising on the city's economic momentum and the government's £2.1 billion local transport investment. Meanwhile, Manchester Victoria North will deliver at least 15,000 homes with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city.

South West and Milton Keynes

In the South West, Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc in South Gloucestershire will accommodate up to 40,000 homes. Milton Keynes - one of the original post war new towns - will be expanded by approximately 40,000 homes.

Design philosophy and community planning

Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasised the holistic approach underpinning these developments.

"From the ground up, we're planning whole communities with homes, jobs, transport links, and green spaces designed together - so we can give families the security and opportunities they deserve," he stated at the announcement.

The new towns will feature neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car, shared green spaces and vibrant high streets. This design philosophy responds to growing concerns about climate change, public health and community cohesion.

Timeline and financial support

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook stated that he expected the first houses to be built in at least three of the new towns by the end of this parliament, which must conclude by 2029 at the latest.

To support delivery, the Government confirmed the National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April, backed with up to £16bn of financial capacity, with the aim of delivering over 500,000 new homes.

Expert leadership

The announcement also included the appointment of four expert advisers to the New Towns Unit, bringing experience from previous successful developments.

Lyn Garner, former chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation; Ian Piper, former chief executive of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation; Emma Cariaga, chief operating officer of British Land; and David Rudlin, founding principal of Rudlin & Co and principal author of the UK Government's National Model Design Code will guide the programme forward.

Sites not selected

The seven locations represent a reduction from an original shortlist of twelve.

Five sites - Adlington, Heyford Park, Marlcombe, South Barking, and Wychavon Town - did not make the final cut, though the government said they are deemed to be "credible development opportunities" and may continue to be supported through existing housing programmes.

Historical names under consideration

Adding a touch of historical resonance, reports suggest ministers are considering distinctive names for these new communities.

According to media coverage, potential names include:

• Elizabethtown, honouring the late Queen
• Pankhurst, after suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst
• Attleeton, after former Prime Minister Clement Attlee
• Athelstan, England's first king
• Seacole, after pioneering nurse Mary Seacole

Challenges and industry reaction

The proposals face both political and practical challenges. Public consultation on the proposed locations runs until 18 May 2026, with final confirmation expected later this year following environmental assessments. Industry reaction has been cautiously positive, with many recognising the scale of ambition.

Sources

1. BBC News. "Ministers name seven proposed new towns in England."
2. The Guardian. "Ministers announce seven proposed new towns in England."
3. Financial Times. "Labour names seven proposed new towns in England."
4. GOV.UK. "Government announces 7 proposed new towns backed by £16bn investment."
5. GOV.UK. "National Housing Bank to launch backed by £16bn to deliver over 500,000 new homes."
6. Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. "Seven proposed new towns named in major step to deliver on Labour's housebuilding commitment."
7. Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. "Expert advisers appointed to New Towns Unit."