The government has announced £8m to be spent on housing in towns and villages.

It says that £6m of this will go to 21 new garden towns in an effort to deliver “up to 200,000 homes” while the remaining £2m has been earmarked for the support of English councils’ neighbourhood plans, local level initaitives where residents cast votes for proposals.

Garden communities in North Northants, Harlow & Gilston, and Otterpool Park, Folkestone will receive the largest amount of funds, at £600,000, and £580,000 each respectively, with the aim of producing 25,000 homes in the first community and 24,000 and 10,000 in the latter.

Housing minister Esther McVey says: “Communities have the local insight to decide what new homes should look like and the kind of infrastructure they need in their area. This is what neighbourhood planning is all about, so I’m pleased this funding will ensure that the right homes are built in the right places.

“I am also announcing extra cash to deliver new vibrant garden communities, which will help deliver tens of thousands of well-designed new homes for hardworking families.”