Ministers consult on regulations for New Town Development Corporations

The new type of body, where local areas want them, could be an effective vehicle for garden towns and cities, the DCLG said.

The Government’s housing white paper in February 2017 committed to the creation of New Town Development Corporations, which would be overseen by the local authority or authorities covering the area proposed for a new garden community, rather than by Whitehall.

The consultation, which can be viewed here, runs until 2 January 2018.

The consultation was launched at the same time as ministers announced the Planning Delivery Fund, a £25m fund designed to support local authorities and third sector organisations in areas of high housing plan for new homes and infrastructure.

A further £3m funding to support the delivery of the 14 garden villages that are part of the Government’s existing programme has also been announced.

Housing and Planning Minister Alok Sharma said: “Locally-led developments have enormous potential to deliver the scale and quality of housing growth that we need. By supporting our local authorities, we will be able to unlock more homes where people want to live.

“These measures including the £25 million of government support which will help develop new communities that will not only help deliver high-quality well-designed homes, but will also bring new jobs and facilities and a boost to local economies.”