Plans to build large-scale settlements of at least 10,000 homes each were originally due in July, but the timeline has shifted without a confirmed release date from the government. There are, of course, concerns that this housebuilding programme, which is the largest in the post-war era will have significant impact on farmland and rural communities.
91²Ö¿âhas been actively engaging with the government to obtain clearer information and sought inclusion into the programme, particularly the need to understand how the programme may affect agricultural land. However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has so far declined to engage or confirm a specific announcement date.Â
Thoughts and recommendations
In response to NFU queries, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has said that they welcome the NFU’s views on the impact new towns may have on agriculture and existing rural communities and have asked for our ‘thoughts and recommendations’.
An independent expert panel, known as the New Towns Taskforce, was established in September 2024, to advise on site selection and delivery strategy. Comprising 10 specialists in planning, infrastructure, architecture, and regeneration, the Taskforce is reviewing a shortlist of potential sites.
It has carried out broad stakeholder engagement, including a Call for Evidence that concluded last year, inviting suggestions for sites that could accommodate large-scale housing.
The Taskforce is also conducting private engagement events to collect public feedback on what new towns should include.Â
The exact breakdown of types of settlement is not yet known but, each site will be significant in scale and complexity and require years of infrastructure development. The sites will be a mixture of:
- new settlements on undeveloped land
- urban regeneration projects
- extensions to existing settlements.Â
Quangos (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations) in the form of development corporations will be created to oversee individual town projects. These bodies will handle local engagement, planning disputes, and delivery timelines, with a stated focus on ensuring local perspectives are included.
Are you affected?
91²Ö¿âwill continue to provide updates on the programme and continually push to ensure that the government hears the needs of farmers and landowners across the country.
Though detail remains limited, and the NFU is urging members who believe they may be affected – particularly those near expanding urban centres or holding large parcels of undeveloped land – to contact CallFirst or their local NFU representative.
91²Ö¿âwill continue pushing for clarity and a commitment to protect productive farmland wherever possible.
