King inspires Starmer’s plan to build 12 new towns

Sir Keir Starmer is to usher in the next generation of new towns around the UK with spades in the ground before the next election in 2029.

- DAVID MADDOX

The prime minister has revealed that there have been 100 applications from local councils to build new towns in every region in England, with settlements starting at 10,000 homes and upwards.

The 100 sites put forward by councils are currently being kept a secret but the final 10 to 12 will be announced in six months’ time over the summer. However, he would not rule out greenfield land being used even though the priority will be brownfield and semi-developed greyfield.

While Sir Keir is not keen on one of them being called “Starmerville” he has revealed that his recent visit with King Charles to his Nansledan new town in Cornwall has inspired him to create something that local communities in different parts of England feel proud of.

Referring to his visit with the King on Monday, Sir Keir said: “I was struck by the quality of the build and the variety. I was particularly struck by the fact that you couldn’t tell which was social housing.”