England’s revolutionary “forest city” could house one million people in wooden homes by 2030

England could see its most ambitious eco-friendly urban development in over 50 years, as a cross-party coalition pushes forward plans for a groundbreaking “forest city” designed to house one million residents. The revolutionary project would feature homes constructed primarily from wood and be situated within what would become England’s largest new nature reserve in decades.

The proposed development promises to make sustainable living accessible, with four-bedroom homes priced at £350,000 – significantly below current market rates in many English cities. Construction could begin before the end of the current parliamentary term, marking the first purpose-built new town in England since Milton Keynes was developed in the 1960s.

What sets this forest city apart is its integration of urban planning with environmental restoration. Rather than clearing land for development, the project envisions buildings that coexist with extensive green spaces and wildlife habitats. The use of wood as a primary construction material would not only reduce the carbon footprint of building but also create structures that naturally blend with the surrounding forest environment.

The cross-party support behind the initiative suggests growing political consensus around the need for innovative solutions to England’s housing crisis while addressing climate change concerns. If successful, this forest city could serve as a model for sustainable urban development worldwide, demonstrating that large-scale housing projects don’t have to come at the expense of environmental protection. The ambitious timeline and scope of the project represent a significant test of whether England can deliver on its environmental commitments while meeting the urgent need for affordable housing.