Seven proposed new towns, including Tempsford and the eastern expansion of Milton Keynes towards Central Bedfordshire, could “kick-start the biggest housebuilding push in more than 50 years”, according to the government.
Each potential location commits to delivering at least 10,000 homes, with several delivering up to 40,000 or more in the decades to follow, said the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Tempsford and Milton Keynes are on the new towns shortlist with Leeds South Bank, Crews Hill and Chase Park, Manchester Victoria North, Thamesmead, and Brabazon and West Innovation Arc in south Gloucestershire.
Read: New town at Tempsford could reshape Bedford’s future
Public consultation
A public consultation on the proposed locations and draft planning policy is open until Monday, 18 May and will be published shortly. Final locations will be confirmed later this year.
“Every town will aim to have a 40 per cent affordable housing target, with at least half for social rent,” explained the MHCLG.
“The locations of seven new towns have been named for consideration as part of the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century.
“This next generation of new towns will create well-connected new communities, with homes, jobs, schools, green space and transport links, planned from the start and built for the future.
“Each proposed location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come.
“Tempsford would provide up to 40,000 homes built around a new East West Rail station, linking residents to Cambridge, Oxford, London and Milton Keynes.
“The expansion plans for Milton Keynes build on its history as one of the original new towns. This takes forward the ‘renewed town’ vision to expand the city by around 40,000 homes and reinvigorate the centre with a new local transport system, boosting connectivity in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, which extends across Central Bedfordshire.
“As part of the government’s drive to instil pride in our communities, these towns will be designed for modern everyday life, with neighbourhoods people can easily get around without a car, shared green spaces and vibrant high streets.”
Laying the foundations our communities deserve
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “People want real homes they can actually afford, and infrastructure that really works, and this government is making that a reality for communities across the country.
“For Bedfordshire, that means more than 40,000 new homes at Tempsford built around a brand new East West Rail station. This would connect residents to thriving cities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, London and Milton Keynes.
“That investment will bring jobs, homes and transport links which the county’s residents deserve. Bedfordshire is ready to build and we’re laying the foundations our communities deserve.
“These new towns will create affordable and balanced communities with the schools, health facilities and community infrastructure neighbourhoods need, supported by high-quality public transport, and walking and cycling infrastructure,” added the MHCLG.
“To meet the growing needs of communities, a cross-government approach intends to ensure the utilities, health, education and digital infrastructure underpin new towns from the outset.
“Alongside the new towns consultation, the government has confirmed the National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April. This will be backed with up to £16bn of financial capacity and will aim to deliver more than 500,000 new homes.
“The government has also announced extra support worth up to £400m over the next decade for subsidised products. This will enable the National Housing Bank and regional mayors to issue loans and investments at lower interest rates, while unlocking housebuilding across the country.”
by Euan Duncan
Local Democracy Reporter
