Timber Development UK (TDUK) has called for stronger government commitment to unlock the full potential of the timber industry in supporting the UK’s ambitious New Towns programme. The organisation presented its position during a session of the Built Environment Committee held on 23 June 2026, where the future role of construction supply chains in delivering new communities was discussed.
Representing the timber sector, TDUK Chief Executive David Hopkins outlined how the industry is prepared to support one of the country’s largest planned housing initiatives.
The New Towns programme has received £16 billion in government funding. Its objective is to deliver 500,000 new homes, with seven new towns already confirmed as part of the national development strategy.
During the committee session, Hopkins emphasised that early collaboration between government and construction material suppliers will be essential if delivery targets are to be achieved efficiently.
Long-term planning is critical.
He explained that manufacturers require clear demand forecasts before making significant investments in production capacity. Greater certainty would enable businesses across the timber supply chain to expand operations with confidence.
Investment decisions depend on visibility.
Without reliable project pipelines, long-term manufacturing commitments become more difficult. According to TDUK, predictable demand is necessary to encourage investment in new facilities, equipment and workforce development.
The timber sector has already responded to increasing market requirements.
Timber frame manufacturing capacity is expanding across the United Kingdom. Major housebuilders have invested in dedicated production facilities to improve efficiency while addressing ongoing labour shortages across the construction industry.
Factory-based manufacturing offers several advantages.
It supports consistent quality. Construction timelines can also be improved. Skills shortages may be reduced through greater use of modern manufacturing processes.
Hopkins informed the committee that the UK’s timber supply chain has the capability to respond to future housing demand. Sawmills and timber manufacturers are positioned to increase production levels as development programmes progress.
Capacity can be expanded when required.
The sector believes it is well prepared to support developers throughout the delivery of the New Towns programme.
Beyond housing supply, timber was presented as an important material for reducing the environmental impact of future developments.
Hopkins encouraged policymakers to place greater emphasis on low-carbon construction materials. He argued that the New Towns programme offers an opportunity to accelerate wider change across the built environment by encouraging sustainable construction practices.
The construction industry continues to face significant environmental challenges.
According to TDUK, the built environment is responsible for almost 40% of carbon emissions. The sector must therefore adopt new approaches if future climate objectives are to be achieved.
Hopkins stated that the New Towns programme provides an opportunity to rethink how communities are designed and constructed.
He suggested that both embodied carbon and operational carbon should be considered within future building regulations. Such an approach would encourage greater adoption of sustainable materials while supporting national climate ambitions.
Timber has been recognised as one potential solution.
The increased use of responsibly sourced timber could contribute to lower carbon emissions while supporting broader environmental objectives. The programme could also stimulate rural economies and encourage future forest growth alongside urban development.
Skills development was also highlighted.
Hopkins said the programme could help improve expertise across the construction industry by encouraging investment in modern building methods and workforce training.
However, TDUK believes industry capability is not the principal challenge.
Instead, Hopkins argued that the pace of government implementation remains the greatest barrier to successful delivery.
He stressed that businesses require confidence that planned developments will proceed according to schedule. Without clear government commitment, investment decisions across the supply chain may continue to be delayed.
Several actions were identified as priorities.
Land acquisition should be completed promptly. Local delivery organisations should be established. Communities need to be engaged early. Colleges should be supported in developing future construction skills. Consistent building standards must also be introduced.
These measures would provide greater certainty for manufacturers, suppliers and developers preparing to support large-scale housing delivery.
Stable policy frameworks are equally important.
Long-term consistency would allow businesses throughout the timber sector to plan future investments with greater confidence. Supply chain resilience could also be strengthened through clearer government direction.
TDUK maintains that the required industrial capability already exists.
Manufacturers have demonstrated their willingness to invest in production capacity. Technical expertise continues to grow across the timber construction sector. Modern manufacturing facilities have already been established by many leading housebuilders.
Hopkins concluded that the industry’s ambition matches the scale of the government’s housing objectives.
He argued that decisive policy action is now required to convert planning ambitions into completed developments. According to TDUK, faster implementation would allow the construction industry to deliver the homes, communities and environmental improvements expected from the New Towns programme.
As the UK’s housing strategy progresses, the timber sector continues to position itself as a reliable partner capable of supporting large-scale residential development while contributing to lower-carbon construction and long-term sustainable growth.
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