Responding to the publication of the consultation on the New Towns Draft Programme, the Chief Executive of the Town & Country Planning Association, Fiona Howie, said:
‘The publication of the New Towns draft programme is a significant step in the Government’s plans for a new generation of New Towns. We welcome the consultation’s recognition of the need for dedicated planning policy to support the programme, and emphasis on strong and coordinated government intervention to enable delivery. Modernised Development Corporations, committed to co-ordinated delivery, long-term stewardship, public participation and climate resilience provide an important vehicle for the delivery of exemplar new communities.
‘The consultation’s commitment to aligning projects with the Government’s Net Zero agenda is also welcome. Later this year the TCPA will publish its vision for climate resilient New Towns to support this process.
Howie added:
‘There is a notable focus on large-scale renewal rather than new settlements in the Government’s preferred locations. And this is the first opportunity for organisations and the public to comment on the short-listed locations and the site assessment process.
‘A new generation of New Towns is an opportunity to deliver exemplar places people will be proud to call home. To make sure that is the case the Government will need to be clear that all of the final schemes can meet New Towns Placemaking Principles. The publication of the draft programme is, therefore, an important step toward seeing the Government’s ambition turned into practical delivery.’
(Header photo: Thamesmead in London is one of seven short-listed locations)
