CIC has welcomed the UK Government’s publication of the New Towns Taskforce report and its initial response.
The Taskforce report outlines 12 recommended locations for the next generation of new towns across England and how to deliver them. This is a significant opportunity to embed best practice in design, infrastructure, and sustainability from the outset.
The report, developed by an expert taskforce which included CIC’s Immediate Past Chair Dr Wei Yang, and another former Chair, Nick Raynsford, outlines a bold vision for placemaking that prioritises long-term stewardship, environmental resilience, and community wellbeing. The Government’s dedication to conducting Strategic Environmental Assessments shows a commitment to delivering high-quality, future-ready communities.
Dr Wei Yang, Immediate Past Chair of CIC and member of the New Towns Taskforce commented: “I was honoured to serve on the New Towns Taskforce, helping to blueprint the Government’s commitment to long-term placemaking through the New Towns programme. This is a vital opportunity to embed sustainability, connectivity, and community wellbeing at the heart of new development. CIC looks forward to supporting this initiative through collaboration across the built environment sector.”
CIC recognises the importance of aligning infrastructure, long-term investment, environmental resilience, and community engagement in delivering these new towns. It encourages continued cross-sector collaboration to ensure these developments reflect the highest standards of design, sustainability, and social value.
New towns must be future-proof
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has described the Government’s decision to press ahead with a new generation of new towns as one of the most ambitious development initiatives in more than fifty years – and one that must be built on lessons from the past if it is to succeed.
The RTPI, which recently published survey data showing that 73% of the public are not confident new towns will meet community needs in 50 years’ time, has urged the Government to ensure lessons are learned from the past and that local communities are placed at the heart of planning and delivery.
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The Government’s commitment to a new generation of new towns is a bold step, and one of the most ambitious approaches to development in half a century. It represents an opportunity to think differently about how and where we create the places of the future.
“However, while it’s good to see the Government looking toward the future, it’s important to remember the lessons from the past. The first wave of new towns showed what can be achieved when government and planners work at scale, but they also highlight the importance of getting design, infrastructure, and community voice right from the very start. Public support for new towns will depend on learning those lessons and making sure they reflect the aspirations of the people who will live and work in them. Our members stand ready to deliver successful places and communities for now and many generations to come.
“Our research shows that people want to see a variety of organisations involved in delivery, new ways of planning and funding explored, and – above all – local communities given a genuine say in shaping their future.
“If this generation of new towns is built around those principles, they can become thriving, sustainable places that stand the test of time and capture the same spirit of ambition that inspired their predecessors.”
Warm welcome
The report’s focus on thriving communities, early masterplanning for high-quality placemaking, and places where people and nature thrive strongly aligns with the Landscape Institute’s ethos.
Members of the Landscape Institute are well placed to deliver these, providing they are engaged early in the design process.
To succeed, new towns must move beyond merely hitting housing targets. The quality design of the public realm is paramount to avoid the unfavourable perceptions of some existing new towns. Adopting a ‘landscape-led approach’ is an investment that yields significant benefits: it boosts public health and wellbeing through accessible green spaces, and provides economic value by attracting investment and reducing long-term “grey” infrastructure costs. Integrating nature-based solutions not only enhances nature but also underpins efficient and affordable long-term management and maintenance.
The institute is urging the Government to empower local delivery bodies to create quality places, with long-term stewardship in mind, based on effective community engagement.
Carolin Göhler FLI, Landscape Institute President, said: “The building of New Towns is a golden opportunity to create places that work now and for future generations. The Taskforce report highlights how, by prioritising the design of the public realm and strategic green infrastructure, we will unlock immense returns. To do this, it is essential to adopt a ‘landscape-first’, Landscape-led approach – with landscape architects, landscape planners and other landscape professionals involved early in site selection, design and delivery. We encourage the Government to adopt this approach – and our members stand ready to help deliver it.”
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