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Lords open second module of inquiry into government’s plans for new towns
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has launched a new inquiry module on ensuring that future new towns are places where people will want to live and thrive.
Lords open second module of inquiry into government’s plans for new towns #UKhousingThe Built Environment Committee has launched a new inquiry module on ensuring that future new towns are places where people will want to live and thrive #UKhousingThis second module, entitled New Towns: Building Communities, will focus on how to ensure new towns and expanded settlements become thriving, successful communities where families want to live and set down roots.
The first module of the inquiry looked at the fundamental legal, financial, fiscal and governance frameworks that need to be in place before construction of new towns can begin.
This portion of the inquiry concluded with a warning that new towns will fail without strong government leadership and highlighted funding as one of the “most critical issues” facing the programme.
Moving on, the committee will now consider the essential components of high-quality placemaking and how to apply them to the proposed sites, all of which are unique and pose very different challenges and opportunities.
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The committee will explore design, aesthetics and green space, as well as how to ensure new towns are accessible and safe for all.
Lord Gascoigne, chair of the Built Environment Committee, said: “Now that the New Towns Taskforce has made its recommendations, it’s time to get on with building this next generation of new towns. But we need to make sure that the towns we build are places where people genuinely want to make their homes and raise their families.
“That means building communities, as well as houses. Each of the sites recommended by the taskforce has its own peculiar characteristics and will pose unique challenges, but we want to do all that we can to set out how each of them, and their successors, can succeed.
“I’m excited to be starting this next module and truly want to hear from as many different voices as possible.
“We know from our first module that people of all ages and from all backgrounds have strong opinions, insights and ideas about new towns, and we urge all of you to respond to this call for evidence and give us your answers to our questions.”
The committee is seeking answers to a number of questions such as: How should the principles of good placemaking adapt in order to build viable places with a positive character and identify?
What are the current barriers to good placemaking in these different locations, and how can they be overcome?
How can new towns be future-proofed, responding to changing working and lifestyle patterns, emerging economies and new technologies?
The deadline for the submission of written evidence is midnight on Monday 1 December 2025.
The launch of second inquiry module follows the New Towns Taskforce’s own independent report published in September. It recommended 12 potential locations for new towns and endorsed the government’s commitment to a “gold standard” of a minimum of 40% affordable housing in each new town, half of which will be for social rent.
However, the inquiry had previously heard why it would be difficult for housing associations to take on affordable homes built in new towns if the government sticks to the target of 40%.
Tom Copley, deputy London mayor for housing and residential development, recently said new towns should count towards the capital’s target of 88,000 homes per year.
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