The UK government is exploring the development of new towns as part of its strategy to address the nation's housing shortage. The government aims to build at least 10,000 homes in each new town, with a focus on locations that benefit from existing transportation infrastructure.
The UK government is actively pursuing the development of new towns , aiming to construct at least 10,000 homes in each location. This initiative, spearheaded by the New Towns Taskforce, seeks to contribute to the government's ambitious goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliamentary term. The taskforce is currently evaluating various potential sites, with a shortlist expected to be presented to ministers by July.
While the government hasn't disclosed the exact number of new towns that will receive approval, experts emphasize the importance of leveraging existing transportation infrastructure connecting these towns to major urban centers. UK Day One, a think tank dedicated to accelerating UK economic growth, has recommended four sites to the government for consideration: Taplow in Buckinghamshire, Poppleton on the outskirts of York, and urban expansions of both Manchester and Leeds. Researchers highlight the village of Taplow as particularly suitable for a new town due to its proximity to high-paying job opportunities, thriving businesses, and convenient rail connections to London. Taplow's strategic location on the £19 billion Elizabeth Line, which traverses London and connects to the Great Western Main Line running west to Cardiff and Bristol, further strengthens its potential. Additionally, its position along the M4 corridor, near a cluster of towns and cities including Bath, Oxford, and Reading, offers excellent connectivity.The think tank argues that a significant portion of the land surrounding Taplow is underutilized, exhibits low biodiversity, and presents a prime opportunity for development. They propose that the government utilize Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to acquire land at existing use values, grant development permissions, and subsequently sell the land to developers at the newly increased land value. The generated funds, they suggest, should be invested in vital public services such as schools and general practitioner clinics, as well as government priorities like new social homes. However, the area's Conservative MP, Joy Morrissey, has expressed strong opposition to any proposals for a new town at Taplow, criticizing Labour's plans for mass housing construction on green belt land. She asserts that Taplow is a picturesque and historic village that should not be sacrificed for development.
New Towns Housing Crisis UK Government Compulsory Purchase Orders Affordable Housing Transport Infrastructure
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