The publication of the New Towns Taskforce report marks an important moment for housing and planning in England. The report makes a clear case that meeting the country’s housing needs will require a step change in delivery, and London is a critical part of the solution. 

The Taskforce’s recommendations provide bold, practical solutions to the housing crisis and the pressing need for sustainable, well-connected communities by setting out how to deliver a new generation of new towns in England. 

Two London sites, Thamesmead Waterfront in Greenwich and Chase Park and Crews Hill in Enfield, were recommended by the Taskforce among twelve locations nationwide. These developments are critical to easing London’s housing pressures, improving affordability, and supporting economic growth. Integral to this approach is a commitment to comprehensive public transport improvements and the creation of robust social infrastructure, which will help ease the city’s housing crisis and support its workforce. 

At the heart of the Taskforce’s work are ten placemaking principles, which set high standards for new town masterplans and ensure they become not just places to live, but places to live well. These principles emphasise vision-led development, ambitious density, a target of 40% affordable housing (with at least half for social rent), robust infrastructure, sustainability, and long-term community stewardship. 

London is well placed to pioneer this new generation of towns. Its devolved powers, governance structures, and track record in delivering major projects mean it can move quickly and provide exemplars for the rest of the country. Success, however, will require integrated planning enabled by digital innovation, meaningful collaboration with local communities, and decisive government action to secure the necessary investment and infrastructure. 

Now is the time for London’s built environment professionals, policymakers, communities and stakeholders to get proactively involved. This truly is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to contribute and shape a better future as we navigate profound environmental and societal changes.  By drawing on the enormous planning and development talent within the capital, there is a unique opportunity to achieve something truly special and write a new chapter in London’s story.