18.05.2026
BusinessLDN has responded to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s consultation on the New Towns Draft Programme, supporting the overall programme and its planning framework, while stressing the need for clearer, coordinated funding to support delivery.
The response highlights that design and affordable housing ambitions must be balanced with long-term viability, calling for greater flexibility in planning policy. This includes a more pragmatic approach to the 40% affordable housing target and clearer prioritisation of infrastructure and community benefits, to ensure new towns can be delivered at pace and over economic cycles.