Back to future: UK eyes new towns to help housing crunch

THE UK’s newest town Northstowe is gradually taking shape amid cranes and scaffolding, a possible blueprint for others as the government seeks to tackle a desperate housing shortage.

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So far the town, which lies close to the affluent eastern city of Cambridge, has just 3 000 or so residents and next to no amenities.

But planners project that within the next two decades its population could swell to 30 000 people.

“Tm really excited about the future,” said Jason Benedicic, who moved with his partner and young child to the town in 2020 because it offered more affordable space than the nearby historic university city.

“There is an amazing community, the people really make the place special,” he said, adding there were regular events which brought everyone together as well as “great transport links” and “open spaces”.