Established in September 2024 and led by Sir Michael Lyons, the NTT was created to examine new approaches to large-scale housing and regeneration. With the last wave of new towns designated over fifty years ago, this marks a significant step by UK Government in its ongoing efforts to tackle the national housing shortfall and shape sustainable communities.
In a comprehensive report, the NTT has recommended a mixture of communities ranging from standalone settlements to new urban quarters. In time, these towns will stand as best practice models for future developments, with the UK Government's ambition for each new town to have at least 10,000 homes, with a minimum of 40% affordable housing - half of which will be for social rent.
In the latest update, published on 28 September 2025, the current UK Government set out its intention to begin building in at least three of the recommended new towns by the next general election, as well as its aims to advance work on a wider range of locations. Sites at Tempsford in Central Bedfordshire, Crews Hill in Enfield and Leeds South Bank have been highlighted as the most promising.
To drive delivery, a dedicated New Towns Unit will be established to coordinate work across departments and agencies to support innovation. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will also be undertaken to evaluate environmental implications and to inform final decisions. Draft proposals and the final SEA are expected to be published for consultation next spring, alongside the UK Government’s full response to the NTT's report.
The full publication from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, including the 12 recommended locations, can be accessed here.
DWF is already advising on several proposed locations, supporting clients on legal structures and delivery structures to ensure compliance and efficiency. For more information on DWF’s role in advising on major infrastructure and housing projects, get in touch with our team.
Thank you to Joy Blankson-Hemans, a trainee in our Commercial Team, for their assistance in creating this article.
