On 2 January 2017, the Government announced plans for number of new Garden Villages and Towns across the country. These new settlements are to provide a modern take on the traditional Garden Cities movement that has its roots in the late 19th Century.

The idea of the Garden City was first suggested by Sir Ebenezer Howard in his book 'Garden Cities of To-morrow' during a time of rapid industrialisation across the country. At its core, the Garden City intended to marry together the best bits of living in a thriving, urban community with the health and wellbeing benefits of living in the countryside. By planning and designing more greenery into a new city, it was considered that residents would have the best of both worlds. There would be good access to jobs and services, as well as opportunities to socialise, coupled with the chance to breathe fresh air, drink clean water and enjoy open, green spaces. The concept was first introduced with Letchworth Garden City, and it has been a major influence on town planning across the world ever since.

For the 21st Century, Garden Villages continue to focus on providing excellent access to services and jobs within a healthy, well connected and green environment. The term continues to be internationally recognised as sign of prestigious design and environmental quality.