The Horticultural Trades Association has responded to the publication of The House of Lords Built Environment Committee’s New Towns: Creating Communities report.

The report delivers a powerful endorsement of the environmental horticulture sector, explicitly referencing points made in the HTA’s written evidence as well as green infrastructure terminology to highlight that green spaces and biodiversity are "vital" and must be "incorporated in spatial planning from the outset."

The report’s summary provides a clear warning that echoes the HTA's long-standing position: "The evidence we received was remarkably consistent... without a galvanising vision, people-friendly placemaking, early social and health infrastructure, inclusive and adaptable design, and plenty of green spaces, these new towns will struggle to live up to their promise and create healthy, sustainable communities.

"Purpose must go beyond meeting numerical housing need. New towns should drive inclusive growth, reduce spatial inequalities and act as exemplars of modern, healthy, sustainable living. The continued emphasis on delivering housing units is not enough to give the programme meaning and create thriving and successful communities."

Katie Neenan, Senior Public Affairs & Policy Executive at the HTA, commented: "It is encouraging to see the HTA’s evidence reflected so strongly in the Committee’s recommendations, particularly the call for every new town to prioritise green and blue infrastructure from the outset. This sends a clear message that green spaces, biodiversity, and natural infrastructure must be central to placemaking and not treated as afterthoughts.

"This aligns with what we have been saying as a sector that the long-term success of new towns will depend on the quality of, and access to, green spaces for residents. It is not enough to focus solely on delivering housing numbers; we must also focus on the quality of the multifunctional green spaces that accompany them. These are foundations that cannot be retrofitted; they need to be embedded from day one if new towns are to succeed.

"The Committee’s report also reinforces that green infrastructure should be viewed as a strategic, long-term investment that delivers lasting benefits for health, communities, and public services. The Government must ensure that the next generation of new towns receives adequate initial funding to establish essential natural green infrastructure from the start, but it is also crucial that the long-term maintenance of these green spaces is considered too. By embedding the principles of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, these spaces can support wellbeing and green prescribing, ultimately reducing demand on public services.

“Now, the focus must shift to ensuring these recommendations are fully implemented in delivery, funding, and long-term maintenance to ensure that green spaces continue to thrive for the benefit of all."