‘New Towns: Practical Delivery’ report to be published on Saturday 25 October 2025

At 00.01 on Saturday 25 October 2025 the House of Lords Built Environment Committee will be publishing its report, ‘New Towns: Practical Delivery'.

The committee launched this modular inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements in March. Since then, it has held 11 public evidence sessions and received a total of 88 pieces of written evidence from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

This first module focused on the fundamental, practical considerations for delivering towns, answering the basic question: is the construction of new towns and expanded settlements practicable and achievable?  

The committee considered the role of local, regional, and central government, and examined what effect devolution might have on delivery. It explored the role of the private sector and public/private partnerships, considering alternative funding models and looking to contemporary success stories both nationally and internationally.