The government has launched phase two of the New Homes Accelerator to kick-start housebuilding on more sites that are facing delays.
The government says that, since its introduction in 2024, the programme has sped up the delivery of over 125,000 new homes.
The programme will now be extended to smaller sites of under 500 homes, with a focus on getting homes built during this Parliament and boosting delivery in London, and the government is calling on developers, landowners and councils to come forward with sites that need support to get moving.
The Accelerator has brought in planning experts to assist with sites across the country, whilst also working closely with statutory consultees and other government departments on specific issues impacting sites in the programme. Combined, this has helped progress over 48,500 homes.
Through these system-wide reforms, including working with other government departments and arms-length bodies on statutory consultee processes, key infrastructure delivery of schools and GP facilities and energy solutions, the Accelerator has helped to unlock issues at a further 76,500 homes.
Seven more sites are joining the programme, adding over 11,400 homes across priority growth areas, including several in the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor.
Housing secretary, Steve Reed, said: “The number of families and young people locked out of the dream of homeownership is unacceptable, so we are doing everything we can to make that dream come true.”
“We’re stripping away the barriers blocking new homes being built and our New Homes Accelerator means 125,000 will now go ahead. But we’re just getting started.”
“This next phase will see spades in the ground even faster as we build the 1.5 million homes this country needs.”
Chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “The New Homes Accelerator is our growth mission in action – removing obstacles, restoring confidence and turning stalled plans into real investment on the ground – from pioneering sites in Oxford to the Cambridge Growth Corridor to new developments in the Northern Growth Corridor.”
“This programme supports jobs across the country and helps more people find a secure, good‑quality home – building an economy that works for working people.”
As part of phase two, operations will be expanded in London through the launch of ‘NHA LDN’ and a new planning support service for boroughs, ‘ATLAS LDN’, which will both be led by the Greater London Authority (GLA) on behalf of the Mayor of London.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I welcome phase two of the government’s New Homes Accelerator Programme. Working with the government, Homes England and councils, City Hall is helping to unblock sites and accelerate the delivery of thousands of new homes for Londoners.”
“This programme will get homes built faster and supports our urgent action to tackle London’s housing crisis as we build a better, fairer London for everyone.”
