Polly Toynbee is right to point out the atmosphere of urgency around Labour’s ambitious proposal for a new towns programme and the new towns taskforce’s investigation (Inside Labour’s top-secret plan for new towns, I see signs of hope, 24 April). The government’s sweeping planning policy reforms have demonstrated its commitment to a programme that will have major consequences for the construction sector, local and regional authorities, existing and would-be homeowners, and future generations, to say the least. This policy cuts across issues of critical national importance, from infrastructure and economic growth to communities and the environment. Now is the time for persistent, thoughtful inquiry into the government’s plans for new towns.
As chair of the built environment committee in the House of Lords, I’m proud to be leading our inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements. The first module of our inquiry is officially under way, and we’re conducting public evidence sessions focusing on the practical delivery of new towns. Our panels of experts are giving us invaluable insights into the merits and risks of different strategies, which you can read on our website. If the government chooses the right model for this generation of new towns, there could be substantial benefits for all. But a wrong move now could send their plans the way of the 2000s ecotowns policy, wasting another opportunity to deliver attractive, viable, livable housing at scale.
To help guide the government in making the best possible decisions as it pushes this policy, our recommendations need to be fully informed, so we want to hear from as many people and organisations from across the country as possible. Until 12 May, you can submit your evidence for the first module of our inquiry here.
Benjamin Gascoigne
Chair, House of Lords built environment committee
