The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has launched a modular inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements.
Over a series of short, targeted modules, the Committee aims to discover whether new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing and, if so, how to ensure they are successful.
The Government aims to have up to 12 new towns under construction by the next election. More than 100 potential locations in England have already been identified and submitted to the New Towns Taskforce, the majority in London, the south east, and the south west.
The first module 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.
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.
Lord Gascoigne, Chair of the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, said: “The Government’s new towns policy may be one of this Government’s most consequential policies and has the potential to shape all of our lives.
“This initial module of our long inquiry into the policy will focus on practical delivery and will seek to understand the legal, political, and economic channels through which new and expanded settlements can be successfully delivered.
“We want to hear from as broad a range of people as possible, from every walk of life. If you have a view on any aspect of this inquiry, take a look at our call for evidence and let us know what you think.”
