Recommendation 37

Connecting these utilities to national networks during construction presents additional challenges. New towns are megaproject-scale endeavours, requiring complex logistical planning, especially for “sequencing” (the scheduling and execution of different stages of the building process.) Sequencing is time-critical, because each milestone in a construction process relies on other stages having been completed. For example, if new utilities are installed on differing timescales, rather than in a co-ordinated way, before a road surface is laid, this is not cost effective and can lead to delays. 56 Rather, effective sequencing will mean that new homes are being built in step with the installation of new utility connections. 57 As Dr Tariq Umar told the Committee: “a new town is not simply a large housing site; it comprises land assembly, remediation, transport, energy, water, digital networks, schools, health facilities, public realm and several housing markets. Delay in one critical system can prevent occupation even when homes are physically complete.” 58