Barriers remain to building the next generation of new towns, including one at Tempsford, according to a new report.
But measures can ensure the programme is delivered, according to a document published by the House of Lords built environment committee.
The government selected seven locations for potential new towns, after narrowing down an initial list of 12, including the Tempsford site in Central Bedfordshire.
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It would be expected to accommodate about 40,000 homes, along with other infrastructure.
The ‘New Towns: Commit and Build’ report from the House of Lords committee, published on 15 October, is the third and final draft of its inquiry into the government’s new towns programme.
“Absolutely committed”
The government is saying it remains absolutely committed to the programme. It must now act and work collaboratively with the sector to earn its confidence, the committee explained.
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The paper identifies five main limiting factors that are slowing or preventing completion of the new towns programme.
These are:
- the UK’s capacity to produce and manufacture building materials and construction products has declined, exposing its supply chains to global volatility and leaving a shortage in some of the key construction materials needed to build new towns;
- providers of key utilities lack extra capacity to serve new towns, creating possible delays through a lack of connectivity;
- the need for significant and unprecedented growth in the construction workforce, when faced with a shortage of workers in key construction roles;
- new and innovative technologies must be better integrated into new town design, such as modular construction and grey water harvesting that make new homes quicker to build and cheaper to live in;
- and the built environment sector requires clarity from the government backed up with strong action, which shows that the new towns programme will come to fruition.”
Lord Gascoigne, who chairs the built environment committee, said: “We recognise that the new towns programme is a massive endeavour and the Minister of State for housing and planning has told us it remains absolutely committed to this.
“But our committee has identified the barriers that must be overcome if these new towns are to become a reality. Firstly, the government must take decisive action and provide the necessary assurances to the key interested parties that the programme will be delivered.
“Ministers need to inspire confidence across the supply chain to boost building material availability, secure a steady pipeline of skilled workers, and safeguard the future of energy and water by introducing a national resilience framework plan.
“The committee believes it’s possible for the government to overcome the challenges facing the new towns programme, but now is the time to act.”
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The report said that potential barriers to completing new towns can be overcome, as follows:
- instil confidence to drive the supply of building materials;
- require a resilient supply of key utilities and infrastructure;
- ensure an adequate supply of skilled workers;
- make it easier to employ innovative technologies;
- and for the government to commit and build.
Developers, the construction sector, training providers, utility firms, and others are willing and able to deliver, but need the confidence to invest and expand production.
Central Bedfordshire Council has been invited to comment on the report.
By Euan Duncan
Local Democracy Reporter
