The UK government has announced plans to create new housing developments in two London boroughs known as government towns. The initiative aims to accelerate housing construction and address the capital's housing shortage. Crews Hill in Enfield and Thames Mead in Greenwich have been selected, representing a significant step in the national housing strategy. The government stated that its new towns, which could act as "urban extensions" of existing areas, will each include at least 10,000 homes.
The development will also include essential infrastructure, including medical centers, schools, and recreational areas. This area was previously identified by Enfield Council as a potential site for large numbers of new family homes. However, plans to build on Green Belt land have raised concerns among environmental groups, who are raising concerns about the potential environmental impact. Construction work on Crews Hill is expected to begin before the next general election, underscoring the urgency and priority of the project for the government.
Thames Mead, already undergoing major regeneration, is seen as an ideal location for further development. Improved transport accessibility is planned, including a possible extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which will significantly improve connections to central London. This project, along with the Crews Hill development, is expected to make a significant contribution to addressing London's housing crisis by creating thousands of new housing units and improving local infrastructure.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to revitalize underutilized areas and meet the city's growing housing demand. As of September 29, 2025, the planning and consultation processes for both projects are actively ongoing. Particular attention is being paid to balancing housing needs, infrastructure development, and environmental preservation. The government aims to ensure that new towns become not only places to live, but also vibrant, sustainable communities.
The Crews Hill and Thames Mead projects are part of a broader government program to build 12 new towns across England, which together could provide up to 300,000 new homes. Particular attention is being paid to ensuring that at least 40% of the new homes are affordable to buy or rent, a key aspect in tackling the housing crisis. The government also intends to create a dedicated "New Towns Unit" to expedite construction processes and remove barriers to project implementation.