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Potential sites for Labour's 'new towns' cut to seven
The UK Government’s plan includes at least 40% affordable housing and aims to build over 180,000 homes in seven new towns as part of the largest housebuilding push in 50 years.
On March 22, 2026 the UK government unveiled plans for seven new towns, with a public consultation open until May 18 and the National Housing Bank launching April 1 to deliver over 500,000 homes.
To address the housing crisis, ministers link the programme to the manifesto pledge of 1.5 million homes and emphasize placemaking principles with at least 40% affordable homes, including social housing.
Site-by-Site, the plans envisage Tempsford, Bedfordshire, Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire, and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire delivering up to 40,000 homes each, with Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire and Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield providing 20,000 and 21,000 homes respectively.
To speed delivery, the New Towns Unit has appointed Lyn Garner, Ian Piper, Emma Cariaga and David Rudlin as interim advisers, while Victoria North in Collyhurst is underway with tenants moved in last year.
Final locations are expected to be confirmed later in 2026, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to break ground by 2029, with Manchester council projecting 40,000 population growth.