How to make a success of new towns: lessons from the House of Lords committee report

The report is the culmination of the first module in our long inquiry into the new towns programme – we are keen to ensure that we give detailed consideration to each aspect of new towns delivery – and has focused on the legal, financial and governance frameworks that need to be in place before any construction and placemaking can begin.

Through 11 public evidence sessions and nearly 90 written submissions, we heard from voices across the sector and beyond – academics, professionals and passionate members of the public alike. Their insights have been invaluable in helping the committee distil the essential ingredients for successful new towns. 

The post-war generation of new towns transformed the lives of countless families, embedding themselves in the fabric of British society. While not every development was without its flaws, the overall legacy is one of resilient, well-loved communities.

Yet, subsequent attempts to replicate this success faltered, with some projects suffering from poor planning, underinvestment and a lack of vision. Now, as the government embarks on this new programme, the stakes could not be higher: we have a genuine opportunity to learn from past missteps and deliver places where people can build their futures.

Our report identifies several themes that must underpin the new towns programme if it is to succeed:

• Clear leadership: The programme will require a dedicated minister at the heart of government with the power and authority to bring departments together to deliver the programme. There also needs to be a central agency with responsibility for advising and supporting the minister and overseeing the day-to-day aspects of delivery.
• A strong vision: Each new town must have a clear identity and purpose, embedded within a coherent national strategy for growth and regeneration.
• Meaningful community engagement: Residents, both existing and prospective, should be at the heart of decision-making, with their voices shaping every stage of development.
• Long-term strategic thinking: New towns require a commitment to sustained investment, planning and adaptation over decades at both the programme and individual project levels.
• Financial support: The government must be prepared to provide significant direct financial support, and use a range of mechanisms to underwrite delivery and give the private sector the tools and confidence necessary to invest in the programme.
• Delivery vehicles: In the vast majority of cases, development corporations will be the most appropriate delivery model, but these must ensure that they include local representatives.

This is not the end for us – no sooner is this report published than we will launch our next module, looking at building communities in these new towns. We invite everyone with a stake in the future of our communities – from policymakers and practitioners, to residents and activists – to join us in this endeavour.

The journey to deliver successful new towns is just beginning, and we will do all that we can to support the government in pushing the programme forward, getting spades in the ground, and delivering beautiful, high-quality communities over the coming decades.

Lord Gascoigne, chair, House of Lords Built Environment Committee