The government has appointed Sir Michael Lyons to lead an independent taskforce tasked with spearheading a new generation of New Towns.
Announced as part of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner’s package of planning reforms, intended – it is claimed – to deliver the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war period, and “kickstart” economic growth.
New Towns – large-scale developments of at least 10,000 new homes each – represent a significant feature of the government’s approach.
Sir Michael will serve as chair of the new independent New Towns Taskforce, supported by housing economist Dame Kate Barker. The panel is tasked with presenting a final shortlist recommending potential locations to ministers within 12 months.
Among his activities, Sir Michael is the non-executive chairman of the English Cities Fund, a joint venture set up by three partners – including Homes England – which has large scale regeneration developments in London, Liverpool, Plymouth, Salford and Wakefield.
He said: “A new generation of new towns and large-scale urban extensions could play a significant role in the government’s plans for economic growth as well as offering new homes on an ambitious scale.
“I am proud to lead the New Towns Taskforce to make sure new towns deliver on the government’s vision and meet the needs of local people.
“Our mission begins today and we will work closely with local leaders and their communities as well as the wider development and investment sectors to make sure these new towns are built in the right places.”
Deputy chair, Dame Kate Barker, added: “I am enthusiastic about working with Sir Michael on proposals for the new towns badly needed to enable more households to live in homes where they can flourish. It will be vital to ensure the locations will also support economic growth over coming decades.”
According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), the new towns will help unlock the economic potential of existing towns and cities across the country.
Furthermore, it says the government will continue to drive growth and regenerate areas that have been “held back” by constraints on their expansion for far too long.
While the programme will include large-scale new communities that are separate from existing settlements, a far larger number of new towns will be urban extensions, and regeneration schemes that will “work with the grain” of development in any given area.
New Towns Code
These new communities are to be governed by a ‘New Towns Code’ – a set of rules that developers will have to meet to make sure new towns are “well-connected, well-designed, sustainable and attractive places where people want to live”.
They will have all the infrastructure and public services necessary to support thriving communities. The towns will also help meet housing need by targeting rates of 40% affordable housing with a focus on genuinely affordable social rented homes.
Deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner said: “Our new towns will deliver housing fit for the future, shaping new communities with real character that people can be proud to call home.
“With Sir Michael in the driving seat, I know his Taskforce will work together with local people to help us decide on the right places for these new towns, delivering more homes, jobs and green spaces.
“We are getting Britain building again and our long-term vision for a new generation of new towns will enrich the lives of working people in the years to come.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves added: “Getting Britain building is at the heart of our mission to grow the economy and make every part of the country better off.
“Alongside our landmark reforms to the planning system, this programme of new towns will kickstart economic growth and give businesses the confidence to invest.”
Sir Michael’s team will work in lockstep with Mayors, local leaders and communities to advise on the right places for new towns, listening to those who know their areas best. The panel’s mission to accelerate the vision of new towns over the next year includes:
- Meeting with new and existing communities to hear first-hand about the design of desirable developments
- Recommending locations for new towns within the next year
- Publishing a final report within 12 months following engagement with local communities
Image credit: photobyphotoboy – Shutterstock
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