I have also seen how quickly good schemes run into trouble when local trust fades, leadership is unclear, or the community isn’t sure what it’s getting. If the government is to succeed in achieving its 12 new towns, as set out in its Initial response to the Taskforce’s recommendations local support isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s essential.

The government’s intention to get spades in the ground on at least three locations within this Parliament sends the right message to investors and developers. The chosen 12 locations are places that can support local jobs, make good use of public transport and most importantly, help meet housing needs (including delivering much-needed affordable homes).

But, the history of new towns since 1946 shows, a big idea or vision is not the same as delivery. And keeping people informed, engaged and reassured is key to turning ideas into places.

Delivering new towns requires support from across the board; not just from ministers, but from cross party MPs, councils, local leaders, landowners and the people who will live there. Recent reports from the House of Lords and the New Towns Taskforce both stress that without a unifying national narrative, public trust and political momentum can disappear fast.

Money matters too. Investors will back long-term projects, but only if they can see who is in charge, there is transparency over how decisions are made and the benefits are shared. When these things are uncertain, investment will falter.

Make the case well

A programme this big needs a clear message that is repeated often and explained in simple terms. New towns can help deliver homes quickly and create better places to live; but they won’t fix every problem on their own.

Messaging must appeal directly to residents. People care about everyday things. They want shorter commutes, lower housing costs, good schools, safer streets and well-kept parks. If a new town can show early on how it will provide these, support tends to grow. If it can’t, the space is quickly filled by opposition. In short, people need to see what’s in it for them, and they need to see it early.

Get leadership and governance right

The original post-war new towns worked because leadership was clear and focused. Development corporations had the powers, the skills and the authority to make things happen. We do not need to copy every detail, but we do need that same clarity today.

A dedicated minister with enough influence to coordinate across different government departments would help. Locally led development corporations, supported by community trusts, can ensure commitments are kept over the long-term.

Devolution adds another layer. In areas with elected mayors, transport and housing powers can help tie a new town into a wider regional economy. In foundation authorities, without mayors, central government will need to do more of the coordination. Either way, there needs to be one clearly accountable body, one delivery plan, transparent funding, and milestones that are visible to the public.

•   The Finance Professional Show 2025: The Video
•   New towns' role in protecting the Green Belt from 'piecemeal, ad-hoc development'
•   Govt confirms locations for 12 new towns

Reduce opposition by improving the process

Ministers are right that national priorities cannot be blocked purely because some people say, “not here”. Last year, Matthew Pennycook said he was ready to drive through big developments despite local protests telling the House of Lords built environment committee’s new towns inquiry: “I do not think that local opposition that says, ‘We do not want it here’ can be the test.”

But forcing decisions through rarely works well in practice. The cost shows up in compensation expectations, legal delay, and political risk priced into bids.

Residents and landowners are far more likely to work constructively if they understand the plan, the timetable and the benefits early on. People who feel shut out tend to fight back; and every delay adds costs.

Communicate for today’s information environment

In the 1940s and 1960s, government had a tight grip on information. Today, information spreads fast and from every direction. Rumours spread on WhatsApp groups long before a development consultation event can be organised. Trust in government and councils is lower and people are quick to challenge claims or expose gaps.

Communication for new towns needs to be clear, visual, fast, honest and grounded in local communities. Maps, short videos, simple explainers and regular updates matter. So does responding quickly to misinformation. And working with local voices, not just government spokespeople, is key.

Expect organised objection, bring forward the silent majority

Unfortunately objection is now hard-wired into the planning system. It’s easier to object than to support. AI tools are already helping people generate objection long, technical objections at the click of a button. None of this should surprise anyone.

But most people are not fundamentally against new homes. A Public First poll found that 55% would support new homes in their local area, and only 33% would oppose. The supporters are just quieter.

To harness that support, people need: clear ways to say they support a proposal; simple online forms; citizen panels; schools and youth programmes to bring a wider cross-section into the conversation; and positive narratives about local benefits.

Be precise about benefits and funding

Communities quickly lose trust when promises are vague or keep changing. They want to know what will be delivered first? Where is the funding coming from? What happens if costs rise?

For investors, detail matters too. They need clarity: who is in charge, how land will be assembled, how utilities will be delivered, how design standards will be enforced, and how compulsory purchase will be handled. People may dislike CPOs, but they dislike uncertainty more.

What success looks like

Success will mean three things. First, a handful of locations where building starts within this Parliament. Second, a clear and repeatable governance model for delivery. Third, communities who feel involved and see benefits early on.

Get those right, and investment will follow, land will come forward on fairer terms, and political support will hold. Get them wrong and we will risk repeating decades of announcements without delivery.

As history has shown, new towns can be a powerful answer to housing need and economic growth. But, they will only work national ambition is matched by early genuine local support.