House of Lords Built Environment Committee announces New Towns Inquiry
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has announced an Inquiry into new towns - with a first module entitled 'Building New Towns: Practical Delivery' - and issued a call for evidence. It will focus on the fundamental, practical considerations for delivering towns, answering the basic question: is the construction of new towns and expanded settlements practicable and achievable?
The Inquiry will consider the role of local, regional, and central Government, and examine what effect devolution might have on delivery. It will examine the role of the private sector and public/private partnerships, considering alternative funding models and looking to contemporary success stories both nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, strategic master planning and long-term support will be highlighted, seeking to understand what the Government can learn from previous new town programmes to ensure successful delivery. The Inquiry will also examine the practical implications of building on such a large scale, considering the capacity of the construction sector, the potential legal challenges, and the role of community consultation.
The Committee’s call for evidence includes a set of 14 questions, underpinned by the following values.
- Wellbeing: is this good for the health and wellbeing of people who live here?
- Accessibility: is this accessible and affordable for people with different needs?
- Connectivity: is this development easy and safe to travel within, and to/from?
- Sustainability: is this good for the local and global environment?
- Longevity: is this going to stay functional for future generations?
The deadline for written submissions is Monday, 12 May 2025. More on how to submit and the format to do so can be found via the link below.
And for more about new towns and previous new town and urban extension initiatives, visit the Housing LIN’s dedicated webpages on Healthy New Towns.