LANDING PAGE New Towns: Foundations, futures and financesB Copy

New Towns

Foundations, Futures & Finances

Part B: Creating the right strategic framework

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07866 794560

David Churchill Partner

07775 562081

Leslie Schroeder Head of Residential Research

07917 233498

Sophie Davidson Associate, Research

The government is considering developing several large new towns as part of its pledge to build 1.5 million homes in England by 2029. Our research considers how this ambitious aspiration could be delivered in both planning and financial terms, as well as the importance of pinpointing the optimal locations.

The second part of our series focuses on the importance of the putting the right planning framework in place. How has the planning system worked to deliver new towns in the past, how does the current framework help or hinder, and what could be done to deliver in future? We then consider the importance of pinpointing the optimal locations. We have applied a set of criteria to every local authority in England outside London, to identify areas where a new town could most effectively address both economic and social needs. We also consider the impact of the new single-tier unitary strategic authorities set to be established across England.

Part A: The scale of the challenge

In the first part of our research, we summarise the market context around the government’s aspirations for new towns. We consider what lessons can be learnt from previous new town development in the UK, and what factors are different today. We also examine the critical success factors that contributed to the success of developing the post-war new towns.

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Part C: Financing the infrastructure

New towns are characterised by significant upfront and then phased infrastructure costs. However, this does not fit the standard housebuilder model. Against a background of constrained public sector funding, we focus on the challenges of financing the infrastructure over timelines of potentially 30 years or more, and the part that both the private and public sectors can play.

07881 002644

Chris Hemmings Partner

07787 282092

Francis Truss Partner

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07801 666137

Dan Francis Head of Research