Government’s New Towns Ambition: mode Engaged on Heyford Park and Worcestershire Parkway

On 28th September 2025, the UK Government published its initial response to the New Towns Taskforce’s recommendations, setting out how central and local government intend to deliver a new generation of large-scale, well-designed new towns across England.

Among the 12 proposed locations highlighted by the Taskforce are Heyford Park in Cherwell and Worcestershire Parkway in Wychavon — two sites where mode is already actively involved, working alongside Dorchester Living, Summix, Bellway Strategic Land and Homes England.

The Government’s Response

The Taskforce’s recommendations and the UK Government’s initial response outline a bold vision for the future of new town development:

• Twelve recommended locations — a mix of greenfield settlements, urban extensions and regeneration-led sites.

• Heyford Park and Worcestershire Parkway explicitly named as opportunities for growth: building on prior momentum at Heyford Park and accelerating housing delivery around Worcestershire Parkway station.

• Environmental safeguards — a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be undertaken to test the environmental impacts across all new town sites.

• Sustainable placemaking — new towns are expected to be climate-resilient, with integrated infrastructure, public transport, green spaces, and at least 40% affordable homes (half for social rent).

• Delivery models — development corporations will remain the preferred route, with flexibility for public–private approaches.

• Land acquisition powers — development corporations will be empowered to acquire land and may use compulsory purchase powers with compensation to exclude “hope value” from claims.
• Early delivery commitment — the UK Government aims to see construction begin on at least three new towns within this Parliament, while continuing to test various delivery models and funding mechanisms.

In short, the government response confirms large-scale new towns are set to become a central part of housing and infrastructure policy, underpinned by cross-departmental support, funding, strong design principles and environmental responsibility.

mode transport planning’s role

Against this national backdrop, mode is proud to be actively engaged in two of the Taskforce’s priority locations.

Heyford Park, Cherwell

At Heyford Park, we are working with partners, landowners and stakeholders to refine the masterplan and transport strategy. Our role includes:

• Integrating sustainable mobility options
• Exploring investment in new rail connections
• Supporting community-led placemaking
• Helping shape a long-term, vision-led strategy that reduces reliance on out-commuting
  
  

Worcestershire Parkway, Wychavon

Around Worcestershire Parkway station, Mode’s focus is on creating a truly transport-oriented development. This includes:

• Advising on public transport integration
• Developing walking and cycling networks in line with LTN 1/20 guidance
• Supporting high-quality housing delivery
• Embedding sustainable infrastructure at the heart of the scheme

With both sites endorsed by the Taskforce and now backed by Government policy, our work is directly aligned with national ambitions for new towns.

How mode Can Support Other Large-Scale Masterplanning Projects

The Government’s renewed focus on new towns brings fresh opportunities for land promoters, local authorities, developers and consortiums.

Here’s how mode can assist on new masterplanning sites:

We believe that mode’s holistic, vision led, design-driven approach positions us well to be a partner of choice on new town and large-scale masterplanning schemes.

Partner with mode on Your Next Major Development

We believe that mode’s holistic, vision-led, design-driven approach positions us well to be a partner of choice on new town and large-scale masterplanning schemes.

If your team, land promoter, local authority or consortium is evaluating such opportunities, whether in greenfield, urban extension or regeneration contexts, we would be delighted to help you take the project from transport and associated infrastructure vision to deliverable reality.

Please get in touch to explore how we can work together on your next major development.