The UK government has unveiled plans for a new generation of towns aimed at tackling the country’s deepening housing crisis, with seven major locations identified to deliver tens of
thousands of homes over the coming decades.
The proposal marks one of the most significant housebuilding initiatives in more than 50 years, with each site expected to provide at least 10,000 homes — and several capable of delivering up to 40,000.
Ministers say the developments will be designed as fully integrated communities from the outset, combining housing with transport links, schools, jobs and green spaces to create sustainable places to live.
Among the proposed sites is Tempsford in Bedfordshire, where up to 40,000 homes could be built around a new East West Rail station, connecting residents to key cities including Oxford, Cambridge and London.
In north London, Crews Hill and Chase Park in Enfield could deliver up to 21,000 homes, helping ease the capital’s severe housing shortage.
Leeds South Bank is earmarked for up to 20,000 homes, supported by major transport investment, while Manchester Victoria North is set to undergo regeneration with at least 15,000 new homes and improved tram connectivity.
Other proposals include Thamesmead in Greenwich, where riverside land could be unlocked for 15,000 homes, and Brabazon alongside the West Innovation Arc in South Gloucestershire, a major development linked to advanced engineering and research industries that could deliver up to 40,000 homes.
Milton Keynes — itself a product of the UK’s original new towns programme — is also set for major expansion, with plans for around 40,000 additional homes and a revamped transport system to strengthen links across the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed described the programme as a “turning point” in how communities are built, emphasising a shift toward planning entire neighbourhoods rather than standalone housing developments. He said the goal is to deliver affordable homes alongside reliable infrastructure and job opportunities.
To accelerate delivery, the government has appointed a team of interim advisers with experience in large-scale regeneration and urban development. New development corporations may also be established to oversee construction, replicating models used in previous successful regeneration projects.
The plans form part of a broader strategy to reform the planning system and stimulate housebuilding. Central to this is the launch of a new National Housing Bank on 1 April, backed by up to £16 billion in financial capacity. The bank aims to support the construction of more than 500,000 homes by unlocking private investment and providing developers with greater financial certainty.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged longstanding issues within the planning system, arguing that reform is essential to reduce costs and improve access to housing, particularly for younger buyers.
Additional funding has also been announced, including £400 million to subsidise housing finance and £234 million to unlock development on brownfield land, potentially delivering a further 8,000 homes across multiple regions.
While seven locations have been prioritised, six other areas — including Plymouth and South Barking — remain under consideration for future development through existing housing programmes.
Taken together, the initiatives represent a major push to boost housing supply, support economic growth and create new, well-connected communities across the country.