Uncategorized – Page 14 – The NEN

Seven new towns proposed to kickstart housebuilding push

Seven locations proposed in England as new towns with each location delivering at least 10,000 homes

The locations of seven new towns have been named for consideration as part of the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century.

Built for the future from the ground up, the next generation of new towns will create well-connected new communities with homes, jobs, schools, green space and transport links planned from the start.

Each proposed location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come.

The proposed locations are:

Tempsford, Bedfordshire — up to 40,000 homes built around a new East West Rail station, linking residents to Cambridge, Oxford, London and Milton Keynes
Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield — up to 21,000 homes helping to meet London’s acute housing need
Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire — up to 20,000 homes capitalising on the city’s economic momentum and the government’s £2.1 billion local transport investment
Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester — at least 15,000 homes regenerating the heart of Greater Manchester, with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city
Thamesmead, Greenwich — up to 15,000 homes unlocking inaccessible riverside land in London, enabled by the planned Docklands Light Railway extension
Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire — up to 40,000 homes at the heart of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire — building on its history as one of the original new towns, to take forward the ‘renewed town’ vision to expand the city by around 40,000 homes and reinvigorate the centre with a new local transport system, boosting connectivity in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor

Furthermore, as part of the government’s drive to instil pride in our communities, these towns will be designed for modern, everyday life – with neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car, shared green spaces and vibrant high streets.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “People want real change – homes they can afford, local infrastructure that works, and good jobs in thriving communities.

“Our next generation of new towns marks a turning point in how we build for the future.

“From the ground up, we’re planning whole communities with homes, jobs, transport links, and green spaces designed together — so we can give families the security and opportunities they deserve.”

To drive forward delivery, four interim advisers have been appointed to support the New Towns Unit:

Lyn Garner, former Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation;
Ian Piper, former Chief Executive of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation;
Emma Cariaga, Chief Operating Officer of British Land;
David Rudlin, Founding Principal of Rudlin & Co and principal author of the UK Government’s National Model Design Code

Building on the success seen in Stratford through the London Legacy Development Corporation and elsewhere, some new development corporations will also be stood up to support the delivery of these new towns.

As set out in the proposed placemaking principles, these new towns will create affordable and balanced communities with the schools, health facilities and community infrastructure neighbourhoods need, supported by high quality public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure.

To ensure that new towns are built in a holistic way, that meets communities’ growing needs, government is taking a cross-government approach to ensure the utilities, health, education, and digital infrastructure to underpin new towns from the outset.

Alongside the new towns consultation, the government has also confirmed today that the National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April. It will be backed with up to £16bn of financial capacity and will aim to deliver over 500,000 new homes.

The government has also confirmed additional support worth up to £400 million over the next decade for subsidised products. This will enable both the National Housing Bank and regional Mayors to issue loans and investments at lower interest rates and unlock housebuilding across the country.

Confirmed today that the Bank will be chaired by Peter Vernon, with Simon Century as its Chief Executive, the Bank will respond flexibly to market needs, unlock over £53 billion of private investment, and provide developers with more financial stability and certainty to support the delivery of over half a million new homes. Century and Vernon both have comprehensive experience in property, financial services, regeneration, and management consultancy.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “For decades this country’s planning system has been a direct obstacle to building new homes, ramping up costs and pricing young people out of the housing market.

“Two years ago, I promised that we would grasp the nettle of planning reform. Now we’re planning to build a new generation of new towns, opening up the expansion of our most dynamic cities and raise up new communities.

“Our economic plan is the right one. Through stability, investment and reform we are building a stronger and more secure economy.”

Simon Century, National Housing Bank Chief Executive, said: “From day one, we’ll use deep expertise to back innovative, large-scale delivery — accelerating the supply of high-quality affordable homes and thriving places people want to live.

The Government also assessed six further New Town locations — Adlington, Heyford Park, Marlcombe (East Devon), Plymouth, South Barking and Wychavon Town — which will not be taken forward as New Towns at this stage but are deemed to be credible development opportunities and may continue to be supported through existing housing programmes.

In Plymouth, for example, there is a unique opportunity to bolster the UK’s defence and security sector, and will have its own bespoke support package to unlock its potential as a centre of excellence in naval technology, and to ensure that lack of good quality homes does not act as a barrier to growth.

Furthermore, an additional £234 million grant fund will support Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) to unlock 8,000 new homes on derelict brownfield land. Areas benefitting from the funding include Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the East Midlands, Greater Lincolnshire, Hull & East Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West of England and York & North Yorkshire.

Together, these measures form part of the government’s commitment to ease the housing crisis, supporting first-time buyers, and creating thousands of jobs across construction and related industries.

Holyrood committee calls for BBC to have stronger Scottish voice

The BBC must have more Scottish voices telling Scottish stories, be clearer on devolved and reserved issues in its news reporting and give Welsh and Gaelic language services equal status, according to a Scottish Parliament Committee.

A new report from the Constitution, Culture, Europe and External Affairs Committee describes concern at the “long-standing frustration” that the BBC Network continues to fall short in serving the interests of licence fee payers in all parts of the UK equally by missing opportunities to be precise in its reporting of issues which only apply to England or Scotland.  

It asks whether the BBC should adopt a more federal structure in which BBC Scotland would be a partner rather than a subsidiary, with greater editorial control and commissioning power. 

The report also raises concerns about the downgrading of  local news within Scotland, encouraging the regulator OFCOM to be vigilant and use its power to mitigate risks from any plans for centralisation and reduced regional coverage. 

The report follows the Committee’s inquiry in to broadcasting in Scotland and will feed into the UK Government’s public consultation on the BBC Charter – the legal document which sets out what the BBC is for and how it should operate.  

Changes to BBC Radio Scotland programming and its use of new, emerging and established Scottish artists also feature in the report, with the Committee stating  it was “not convinced” by the response to concerns raised by campaigners and encourages the Scottish Government to continue to pursue the matter. 

The Committee also expresses its support for greater transparency in how the BBC’s commercial income is used in relation to its public service broadcast obligations and of sustainable funding for minority language broadcasting across the UK, including Gaelic through BBC ALBA. 

Committee Convener, Clare Adamson, said: “We know broadcasters – particularly public sector broadcasters – face major challenges as people’s watching and listening choices move towards online platforms. However, local broadcasters continue to play a vital role in the social fabric of Scotland’s communities. 

“We support an adventurous, adaptable and accountable BBC and have made a series of recommendations directed at the Scottish Government, the UK Government, Screen Scotland, Ofcom and the BBC to ensure that Scotland and its license fee payers are well served.”

scottish-broadcasting-report Download

Edinburgh Hospital Radio Volunteer Honoured with MBE

A volunteer who has been at the heart of hospital radio in Edinburgh for over 50 years has been appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to hospital broadcasting.

Malcolm Kirby – the current Chair received that award from HRH The Princess Royal at an Investiture held in Windsor Castle on Tuesday March 10 2026.

Malcolm has been involved since 1969 when he moved to Edinburgh to study electrical engineering at Heriot Watt.

He became technical director in 1972, a post he has held for most of his time with the radio.

Malcolm has been instrumental in the design and construction of the red dot radio studios from the early days in Hanover Street to the old Royal Infirmary and finally to the current location in the Western General Hospital.

He designed and manufactured the studio furniture, customised electronics and wrote special software to aid in programming.

When the pandemic hit he was instrumental in keeping the station going and wrote additional custom software to enable the radio to be streamed online.

His determination to provide a bespoke, personal service for hospital patients has lasted to this day and has been appreciated by hundreds of hospital patients and their families and friends.

Malcolm was previously recognised by the National Hospital Broadcasting Association in 2012 when he received the John Whitney Award for an outstanding contribution to hospital radio.

Malcolm said: “It’s a real privilege being involved in a service that’s entertained hospital patients for 60 years. It seems that today, just as in the past, there is a real need for this sort of personal service for people who find themselves alone in a strange environment.

“It’s particularly gratifying that we were able to continue throughout the pandemic with our new online service providing an invaluable link between the patients and their family and friends at home – let’s hope this continues for many more years.”

Have you seen Tyrone?

POLICE are appealing for help to trace Tyrone Nicholson, 54, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

Tyrone was last seen in the Restalrig area around 2.30pm on Friday, 20 March, 2026.

He is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, with short brown hair.

Inspector Iona Cory said: “We’re concerned for Tyrone’s welfare and are urgently trying to trace him to ensure he’s safe and well.

“Officers are carrying out a number of enquiries but I’m also asking for the public’s help. Do you know Tyrone and have any information on where he might be? Or do you think you’ve seen him since Friday afternoon? If you do, please come forward.

“Tyrone, if you see this appeal, please make contact with police so we can ensure you’re safe and well.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0906 of 21 March.

Tomorrow: Fettes for Fet Lor Fun Run

Tomorrow is a special day for us here at FetLor, as some of our staff and young people will be taking part in a 10K fun run to raise funds for our Duke of Edinburgh Programme.

This is hosted by Fettes College who we will be running alongside

Active Travel: New phase of Leith Connections completed

A new active travel route from the Foot of the Walk to Dock Street was officially opened this week by the Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson.

The route was supported by over £4.6 million investment from Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund for construction in 2024-25 and 2025-26. There was also over £360,000 Scottish Government funding for the design, through Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s Places for Everyone programme.

This marks the completion of the most recent phase of the Leith Connections project, which aims to improve connectivity, safety and accessibility for everyone who lives in or spends time in the area.

Under this phase, we have now completed 850 metres of two-way segregated cycle track which connects to existing segregated infrastructure installed on Leith Walk, Portobello, the Water of Leith path and on to the North Edinburgh Path Network.

Other improvements include a new signalised junction with pedestrian crossings, new paving, seating and planting, alongside sustainable drainage. Full details are available on our website.

Alongside this progress, we’ve also seen encouraging new data on active travel not just in the north of Edinburgh but across the city.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has recently published their Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index for 2025.

This showed that 69% of residents walk or wheel at least five days a week, alongside overall increases in walking and wheeling journeys, and improved safety perceptions when walking and cycling.

Over 40% of respondents also said they’d like to walk and cycle more, with a further 57% of supporting shifting investment from road-building schemes to fund walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.

Just last month Cycling Scotland released new data from their September 2025 surveys, showing an increase in cycling journeys at 11 different sites citywide.

West Coates on the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) recorded its highest cycling rate yet of 9.3%, with York Place seeing 1,921 bikes in the 48-hour survey period. Leith Walk also saw a new record rate of 9.71%, with 4,744 journeys. ‘Cycling rate’ here refers to the percentage of trips using a specific transport mode. Other examples include walking or using public transport.

We’re now looking ahead to the next phase of Leith Connections which will span from the Hawthornvale Path to Seafield.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Today is a key milestone in our plans to transform Leith and the north of the city into a better place for everyone.

“From making it easier to get around through to creating more pleasant places to spend time in, whilst ensuring safety and connectivity are at the heart of the scheme – I’m very excited for these benefits to start becoming a reality.

“I’m grateful for the patience and understanding of local residents and businesses as we complete this important work.

“On the wider picture of active travel in Edinburgh, the data speaks for itself. When we invest in good, sustainable infrastructure then people will use it.

“I look forward to seeing how the next phase progresses as we continue to work alongside our partners and the local community.”

Fiona MacLeod, Director for Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland at Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see this phase of Leith Connections completed, a project that is creating real transport choice for local people. This new route makes it easier, safer and much more pleasant to travel between Leith Walk and the Shore – whether you’re walking, using a wheelchair, pushing a buggy, or hopping on the bike.

“As well as creating healthier and fairer options for getting around, the improvements have revitalised the surrounding public spaces into a welcoming and inclusive area that people want to spend time in with friends and family, and by visiting local businesses.

“With more projects like this being constructed across the city, the data shows that people in Edinburgh support this investment – recognising the benefits active travel brings to their health and wellbeing, their pockets, and to their communities.”

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s clear from the data that new, well-connected, protected cycle lanes are helping more people to travel efficiently and affordably by bike, with notable morning rush hour peaks.

“The rapid success in Edinburgh, and increases in cycling where other routes are being built in Scotland, show just how strong the appetite is for safe, dedicated cycling infrastructure that takes people conveniently from A to B.

“Supporting more people to travel by bike benefits our health, reduces harmful pollution and our impact on the climate. Beyond this, it also gives people a meaningful way of saving money on everyday transport. We need more cycling routes just like these and safer roads for everyone, to bring these advantages to more people across the country.”

Harnessing the benefits of AI

New Strategy to deliver economic growth and prosperity

Wide-ranging measures have been unveiled to place Scotland at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

Scotland’s AI Strategy sets out a five-year plan to ensure people, businesses and public services across the country benefit from AI.

Independent analysis estimates the AI sector could be worth £23 billion to the Scottish economy by 2035 and the Strategy details increased support for businesses to expand the use of AI to develop new products and services, grow market share and generate new jobs and investment.

Initiatives to be implemented in the first year include:

establishing an independent expert advisory board to provide strategic guidance on the strategy’s delivery
appointing AI Champions to represent priority sectors and regions
rolling out an expanded AI adoption programme for businesses to help drive productivity and competitiveness across the economy
creating a Future Jobs Panel to assess AI’s impact on the workforce and establishing an AI Leadership Academy

Launching the Strategy at the Edinburgh Futures Institute in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The unprecedented pace at which AI is increasing and evolving presents an enormous opportunity.

“It has the potential to be genuinely transformative – for every sector of our economy, and for people from all backgrounds and communities.

“This strategy sets out a clear plan to harness the economic and social benefits of AI responsibly with practical, tangible steps to be taken this year to help ensure we translate our innovation and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.

“In establishing AI Scotland we will use the expertise of our enterprise agencies, The Data Lab and other partners to lead an accelerated, co-ordinated approach to ensure Scotland’s economy and society reaps the rewards of this incredible technology.”

Think Twice: Spotting Scams at Stockbridge Library

Did you know that 1 in 5 older adults has experienced an online scam—with billions of pounds lost every year?

To help tackle this growing issue, we’re hosting a free, practical, and easy-to-understand workshop designed especially for older adults and their families.

Learn how to recognise and respond to AI-driven misinformation, including:

• Deepfakes

• Online scams

• Misleading content on TV, messaging apps, and social media

This session is interactive, supportive, and completely non-technical—no prior knowledge needed.

Join us and gain the confidence to stay safe in today’s digital world.

Spaces are free—don’t miss out!

Mon 13th April 6.30 pm at Stockbridge Library

Leith MSP Ben Macpherson calls for a walk‑in GP clinic at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre

Ben Macpherson MSP is urging the Scottish Government to open one of its newly announced walk‑in GP clinics at Ocean Terminal – a location very well placed to meet growing local demand for primary care. He has written to the First Minister and Health Secretary to make the case.

Five months ago, the Scottish Government confirmed plans for 15 new GP‑led walk‑in services, offering same‑day access to healthcare without the need for an appointment. The first clinic opened in February at the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, marking a major step in strengthening primary care across Scotland. It is already delivering tangible benefits on that side of the city. The rest of the initial tranche of 15 walk-in clinics are currently being delivered across Scotland.

Building on this momentum, the First Minister, John Swinney MSP, announced on Saturday 14 March, at the SNP’s party conference that, should the SNP be re-elected in May, a total of 30 walk-in clinics will be delivered across the country, including a second clinic in Edinburgh.

Ben Macpherson, who has served as Leith’s MSP for a decade, argues that a walk‑in clinic at Ocean Terminal would deliver significant benefits for residents.

The centre has already hosted a successful NHS vaccination clinic for several years, and is very well‑connected by public transport, making it an ideal site for other NHS services, including primary care and a walk-in GP clinic.

This would provide services for local people in Leith and those across Northern and Eastern Edinburgh. Ocean Terminal is also rejuvenating generally, with modern and accessible facilities.

Establishing a GP clinic there would cost less to fit out than creating a new building.

Commenting, Ben Macpherson said: “The SNP Scottish Government’s new GP walk‑in clinics will help make sure people get the care they need at a time that suits them.

“Opening one of these in Ocean Terminal in Leith would be very accessible for a lot of people, ease local pressures on current GP clinics, help meet the demands of population growth in the area, and Lothian more widely, and positively enhance the healthcare facilities on offer in Northern and Eastern Edinburgh.

“I have long advocated for a GP clinic at Ocean Terminal, raising the suggestion in Parliament and writing to the Scottish Government in recent years.

“The existing vaccine clinic has been a clear success, and the site is very well located to host a new NHS facility and GP walk-in clinic. This would meaningfully boost healthcare provision in Leith and for the wider area.”

Ltr – BM to FM – Walk-in GP clinic at Ocean Terminal – 20 March 2025 Download