In 2023 the Labour Party made a pledge to help tackle the housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes. A major part of this is a New Towns programme, creating new settlements and expanding existing ones. In September 2025, a taskforce for the now Labour-led Government chose 12 locations with the most potential for development. These have now been narrowed down to seven. Notably, two are in London. Let’s have a closer look, then you can rely on us if you need help from a lettings agent in Enfield.
The plan
The New Towns programme, beginning with an Act in 1946 and several others in later decades, was very successful. Because of it, we got developments like Stevenage, Crawley, Corby, Runcorn, Milton Keynes, and Peterborough. The projects were responsible for creating thousands of new homes, as well as plenty of amenities, green space, and more.
Labour is hoping this round of the New Towns programme will be as successful as earlier ones. Dozens of locations were under consideration at first, including six in London. However, as we said, they were refined down to a list of 12. We’ve now got details of the seven the Government want to move forward with, de-prioritising the other five. They are: Brabazon and West Innovation Arc, Crews Hill and Chase Park, Leeds South Bank, Manchester Victoria North, Milton Keynes, Tempsford, and Thamesmead.
Key details
One of the most important things about the plan is the seven locations have the potential to deliver lots of homes. The forecast is we’ll see 10,000-40,000 per site. Estimates for the two projects in London are 15,000 for Thamesmead and up to 21,000 for Crews Hill and Chase Park. Talk to us if you need help from a lettings agent in Enfield.
It isn’t just housing as well. The plans for the new developments are to create whole communities, ensuring there are homes, jobs, public space, amenities, transport links, and more. Overall, according to Housing Secretary Steve Reed, the goal is to “build for the future”.
London’s two new towns
Notably, the plans for London are dividing opinion. There is lots of support for Thamesmead. It’s been called a “complete no-brainer” by James Small-Edwards, chair of the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee. Crucially, it offers a huge 100 hectares in a great location. Additionally, there are plans for a DLR extension to improve transport links in the early 2030s.
The proposals for Crews Hill and Chase Park are a little more divisive. There are concerns it will mean the loss of villages and businesses in the area. Locals have been critical of the area being painted as derelict and prime for redevelopment.
Do you need help from a lettings agent in Enfield?
This latest news about the New Towns programme has plenty of positives. The next phase is to further explore the seven sites and see which can progress. This will also include environmental surveys. Ultimately, the goal is for projects to begin as soon as possible. The Labour Government wants spades in the ground on at least three sites by 2029.
The potential developments at Thamesmead and Crews Hill/Chase Park are definitely worth keeping an eye on, especially if you’re thinking about investing. They could become some of the best new neighbourhoods in London, especially with the right designs.
If you do invest and want some help, you can talk to us. We’re one of the most unique companies in London, providing guaranteed rent, property management, HMOs, portfolio reviews, and much more. You can trust us if you want to work with a lettings agent in Enfield or other parts of the city. So, get in touch today.
