Two locations in London have been selected as potential sites for new towns as part of the housing secretary’s initiative to “revitalize construction in Britain.”
Crews Hill in Enfield and Thamesmead in Greenwich are under consideration for development, with the Enfield project possibly starting construction prior to the upcoming general election.
Enfield Council leader Ergin Erbil stated that the proposed 21,000-home development would encompass essential facilities such as GP surgeries, schools, and recreational areas.
The council’s local plan has recognized Crews Hill as a suitable site for a significant amount of new family housing. However, some critics of the proposal have expressed concerns regarding the impact of development on greenbelt land.
Building in Crews Hill is aligned with Labour’s broader ambition to establish 12 new towns nationwide, contributing to the creation of 300,000 new homes.
The selected areas will undergo environmental evaluations and community consultations, with the government anticipated to finalize the sites and funding details by spring.
Erbil mentioned that 6,000 of the homes in the Crews Hill and Chase Park region of Enfield would be designated as council housing.
“We see 500 families every month visit our civic center seeking assistance with homelessness,” the Labour councillor remarked.
“When I took office eight years ago, there weren’t even 500 families a year in that situation, let alone each month.
“It is crucial that we proceed with building. At 30 years old, with two young children in a cramped flat, my generation feels completely shut out of home ownership, which is why building is imperative.”
Erbil emphasized the intent to provide “affordable homes suitable for families,” and added, “We will ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place, including GP surgeries, schools, and leisure facilities.
“There will be ample public parks, attractive amenities, and local shops, so this will not just be a housing development but a brand new town.”
Conversely, the Campaign to Protect Rural England has asserted that too many rural and greenbelt regions are at risk of being sacrificed for development, suggesting that the criteria for affordable housing need to be reevaluated.
Enfield resident Alison expressed her concerns on BBC Radio London, warning that constructing on greenbelt land would be “devastating.”
“There are numerous brownfield sites available in the area that should be prioritized for development, if there is indeed a need for it,” she stated.
“Instead, they are planning to build on stunning greenbelt areas, harming our landscape and ruining some of the beautiful places in Enfield that make it an exceptional place to reside.”
Another resident remarked, “We lack the necessary infrastructure to support the proposed housing.”
“Our local schools, medical facilities, and Chase Farm A&E are already overwhelmed. These issues need to be fully addressed prior to any planning approval.”
A third resident added, “The roadways cannot manage the current volume of traffic. Already congested, the situation would become chaotic with additional homes.”
Ben Twomey from Generation Rent, which advocates for renters, stated that these town-building strategies could alleviate the cost of living challenges.
“Londoners are facing immense pressure from rising rent costs, often leading to poverty, homelessness, and financial strain before they even have the chance to secure alternative accommodation,” he noted.
“The priority must be the development of affordable housing.
“Expediting the building process while ensuring safety and thorough environmental evaluations is essential, given the substantial pressures Londoners are currently facing, which are forcing many out of the city or into temporary housing.”
Tom Copley, London’s deputy mayor for housing, praised the government’s announcement as “wonderful news.”
“With appropriate infrastructure, particularly in transport, we can construct tens of thousands of homes and develop entirely new communities for Londoners,” he stated.
