Labour should establish 12 new towns in England that prioritize walkability, avoid flood plains, and reduce car dependence, according to a report by think tanks Britain Remade and Create Streets. The proposed towns would deliver 550,000 well-designed homes, boosting the economy by £13-28 billion annually through improved access to high-paying jobs in well-connected cities.
The report advocates for “gentle density,” ensuring towns are compact with amenities, workplaces, and shops within walking or cycling distance. The design emphasizes green spaces with gardens, parks, and tree-lined streets, avoiding ambiguous in-between spaces. To promote sustainability, the towns should be built near public transport hubs, not on flood plains, national landscapes, or sites of scientific significance.
Nicholas Boys Smith, founder of Create Streets and former government adviser, criticized previous new settlements as “depressing, unsustainable, and stupid,” citing their reliance on cars, sprawl, and lack of vibrant centers. He called for towns that are aesthetically pleasing, walkable, and well-connected. He argued, “Why should new towns be uglier and worse than the old? We need to be more ambitious for what we create.”
The plan identifies locations with high housing demand and existing infrastructure, including Greater Cambridge, Tempsford, and Bristol, among others. Proposed towns include expansions of cities like Oxford and York, as well as strategic new developments near key transport links such as HS2 stations.
The report coincides with growing pressure on Labour to fully implement the Future Homes Standard, ensuring new homes feature heat pumps, solar panels, and proper insulation to reduce emissions and heating costs. Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade, highlighted the environmental benefits of urban living, stating that city residents emit 50% less carbon than those in rural areas.
Proposed New Town Locations:
- Greater Cambridge: Expand homes and lab spaces for innovation.
- Tempsford, Bedfordshire: A town with excellent links to Cambridge, Oxford, and London.
- Winslow, Buckinghamshire: Development alongside restored East West Rail.
- Cheddington, Buckinghamshire: A new town benefiting from HS2 capacity.
- Salfords, Surrey: Address housing needs in Brighton and London.
- Greater Oxford: Unlock housing and lab space for the city.
- Iver, Buckinghamshire: Leverage land near two Elizabeth Line stations.
- Hatfield Peverel, Essex: Mirror development across the railway with A12 links.
- Bristol Extension: Build on constrained greenbelt land to address housing demand.
- Chippenham, Wiltshire: Expand the market town organically.
- York: Develop housing along the city’s ring road.
- Arden Cross: A new town adjacent to Birmingham’s HS2 station and airport.
The report calls for thoughtful urban planning to create attractive, connected, and sustainable communities that avoid repeating past mistakes.
