Government Plans New Towns as London Assembly Investigates
In a significant move towards addressing housing shortages, the UK Government has established the New Towns Taskforce to propose new urban developments. The Taskforce’s final report, released in September 2025, suggests twelve possible sites across England, including two within London: Crews Hill and Thamesmead Waterfront.
Potential Developments in London
Crews Hill has the capacity to accommodate up to 21,000 new homes, while Thamesmead Waterfront could host around 15,000 homes. Both projects are anticipated to benefit from infrastructure enhancements, including a potential extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The Taskforce and the Mayor of London have underscored the necessity of improving transport facilities to support these initiatives.
London Assembly Meeting
To assess the feasibility and planning of these new towns, the London Assembly’s Planning & Regeneration Committee will convene a meeting tomorrow. This gathering aims to investigate governance needs and planning policies that could be implemented for the proposed London locations.
Expert Input
The Assembly will feature two panels of experts who will provide insights into optimising urban planning to meet the needs of London residents. The confirmed participants for the first panel include:
- Dr Thomas Aubrey, Visiting Senior Fellow, London School of Economics and Political Science
- Charlie Berry, Policy Manager, Shelter
- Kane Emerson, Head of Housing Research, YIMBY Alliance
- Tom Perry, Director of Urbanism and Landscape Projects, The King’s Foundation
The second panel will include:
- Guy Courtois, Founder, Pour Une Renaissance Urbaine
- James O’Malley, Freelance Journalist and Podcaster
- Susan Parham, Associate Professor, University of Hertfordshire
- John Walker, Former Deputy Chief Executive, Milton Keynes Development Corporation
- Esther Everett, Director of Placemaking, LLDC
This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE. Members of the media and the public are invited to attend, with the meeting also available for live streaming and later viewing online.
Background
The establishment of the New Towns Taskforce reflects ongoing concerns about the housing crisis in the UK, particularly in major urban centres. The push for new towns aims to provide sustainable, well-planned living spaces to meet the rising demands of London’s population.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-press-releases/how-will-new-towns-deliver-housing-londoners-need
