The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) consultation of the draft plan to deliver potential New Towns across the country.
The national consultation, which has already begun, features proposals for seven locations across the country, including Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc. The government believes that a new generation of new towns is essential to address England’s structural housing shortage crisis and unlock economic growth.
Each of the potential new towns will be expected to build at least 10,000 new homes, with an ambition for a minimum of 40% affordable housing and half for social rent. Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc could deliver 10,000 with the future potential for around 40,000 homes over the coming decades, predicated on investment in infrastructure including transport, employment, education, retail and leisure that will also benefit existing communities.
The West Innovation Arc is already home to a thriving economy, hosting global aerospace companies like Rolls Royce, Airbus and GKN. The area is home to an advanced manufacturing and innovation ecosystem including the National Composites Centre at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, which also hosts Isambard AI – the UKs fastest supercomputer. Realising the full potential of the site would require investment in transport to drive a suitable public transport mode share helping to relieve, and prevent, future pressures on the already constrained road network.
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The Government is making progress on their commitment to the consideration of new town locations. The West Innovation Arc, including Brabazon, is an area of huge opportunity for local businesses and residents. We must ensure this opportunity unlocks vital investment in infrastructure, homes and jobs, so that it can deliver sustainable growth rooted in innovation and community.”
The government is working with mayors, councils, and developers to increase housebuilding to a level that hasn’t been seen since the post-war era, unlocking economic growth, creating new jobs, and helping tackle the housing crisis by getting millions more people onto the property ladder.
The consultation closes at midnight on 18 May. To find out more and have your say on the proposals please visit gov.uk/government/consultations/new-towns-draft-programme