Councils could receive powers to deliver new towns under proposed regulations published by Housing Minister Dominic Raab MP.
Under new rules, councils will be able to seek government’s approval to launch a New Town Development Corporation, which will be responsible for delivering new towns and garden communities in their area.
The new bodies themselves will be responsible for master planning and project development, bringing on board private investment, partnering with developers and overseeing the completion of a new town or garden village. Each New Town is expected to deliver tens of thousands of new homes.
Housing Minister Dominic Raab MP said: “We need to build the homes our communities need and I’m committed to giving councils the tools they need to deliver. That’s why we’re giving councils the option of applying to establish development corporations. These will be locally accountable and must listen to the views of the community to ensure that the right homes are built in the right places.”
Previously, all New Town Development Corporations created by the Secretary of State remained accountable to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The development corporations will be expected to involve communities in their projects, which includes allowing residents to have their say on how high-quality homes are delivered.
The regulations have been introduced to Parliament, and are subject to further debate by MPs. If approved by Parliament it is predicted they will come into force later this year.
