Housing sector doubts Labour Party Conference proposals

"Labour used its party conference this week to unveil plans for 12 new towns and a broader package of housing initiatives across England. Ministers framed the proposals as a long-term solution to the housing crisis, promising 1.5 million new homes in the current Parliament, including a significant proportion designated as affordable. Industry experts, however, warned that without clear plans for land release, funding, and planning reform, the projects risk remaining unbuilt promises."

"Housing Secretary Steve Reed outlined plans to construct 12 new towns, with the first three sites scheduled to start construction before the next general election: Tempsford, Bedfordshire Crews Hill, north London South Bank, Leeds Reed said, "The Conservatives blocked the homes people need. We will give working people the key to a decent home." He emphasised that the new towns would be a "step-change" rather than incremental measures, entering the stage in a red hat emblazoned with "Build, Baby, Build." Labour also reaffirmed plans to deliver 1.5 million homes across the Parliament, including a target that 40% of homes in new developments would be affordable, with half of those designated as social housing."

"Responses from the housing and planning sector highlighted skepticism about whether the plans can be delivered: Brian Berry, Federation of Master Builders, said: "Unless planning is simplified, smaller builders risk being locked out of large projects." Kate Henderson, National Housing Federation, commented: "Delivery will depend on long-term funding and cooperation with housing associations." Tracy Harrison, Northern Housing Consortium, added: "We cannot just build new towns while existing northern estates continue to decline." Crispin Truman, Campaign to Protect Rural England, warned: "We support affor"

Plans call for 12 new towns across England with the first three sites at Tempsford, Crews Hill and South Bank set to begin before the next general election. The programme targets 1.5 million homes over the Parliament and aims for 40% of homes in new developments to be affordable, half of those as social housing. Ministers present the projects as a long-term response to the housing crisis. Industry groups warned that unclear land release, funding arrangements and planning reform could prevent delivery, and raised concerns about impacts on smaller builders and existing estates.

Read at Homebuilding