The UK government is exploring the development of more than 100 new towns as part of what it describes as the “largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era”. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling housing shortages, promising to push forward with construction despite anticipated opposition from local groups.
During a visit to a housing development in Buckinghamshire, Starmer outlined plans to build 1.5 million homes, arguing that previous planning systems have obstructed much-needed developments. The government claims it has already “unblocked” 20,000 homes and aims to accelerate the construction of hundreds of thousands more in the coming years.
Starmer Pushes Ambitious Housing Strategy With Over 100 Proposed Sites
More than 100 locations across England have been identified as potential sites for the government’s new town initiative, according to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Many of these sites are concentrated in London, the South, and the East of England, where housing demand is particularly high.
A draft blueprint detailing the proposed developments is set to be published, outlining provisions for green spaces, GP surgeries, schools, public transport, and affordable housing. The final framework is expected to be released in the summer.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasised that the government intends to ensure high-quality, well-designed developments, rather than allowing what he described as “poor quality development without the right infrastructure and amenities in place”. He also acknowledged that while some communities will oppose new housing, there is widespread support for well-planned, sustainable developments.
The government has further committed to expediting the approval process for “tall buildings” of 18 metres or more, stating that additional resources will be deployed to speed up planning applications without compromising safety regulations.
Government Pledges to Override Planning Objections to Accelerate Construction
The government’s housing agenda has faced resistance from NIMBY (“Not In My Back Yard”) groups, who oppose new developments in their areas. Starmer has criticised these objections, arguing that they have hindered housing projects for too long. Writing in The Metro, he stated: “For too long, the NIMBYs and the naysayers have been able to clog up our systems so things can’t get built.”
The government has signalled that it is prepared to override local environmental concerns in order to push through developments. One example is the bat tunnel near Aylesbury, which has previously delayed infrastructure projects. Starmer described such obstacles as part of a “bonkers system that stops us building train lines and homes to protect bats and newts.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner defended the proposals, arguing that they are necessary to address the housing crisis, which she says has left thousands of families waiting for homes. She added: “I will not run away from the tough choices to fix the housing crisis we inherited.”
