Overview

The persistent problems of poor and unhealthy living conditions in towns required the direct intervention of Parliament

Parliament also passed legislation authorising the construction of specific buildings within towns

In the early 20th century Parliament began encouraging local authorities to adopt new principles of town planning

In order to meet severe housing shortages, Parliament approved heavily subsidised local building during the inter-war years

In the 18th century, individual towns obtained their own legislation for improvement

After the Second World War Parliament gave approval for an ambitious programme of new town developments