A planning application has been resubmitted for a Hindu temple to be built in a Milton Keynes housing estate.
The application for the construction of a new temple and community hall on land to the east of St Agnes Way, Tattenhoe, submitted by Sai Baba Temple association of London, was previously refused permission by Milton Keynes Council in November of 2021, due to objections and concerns from local residents.
The registered charity, also known as SHITAL, operates 4 weekly centres in Milton Keynes, Slough, East London and Hounslow and aims 'spread the teachings of Shree Shirdi Sai Baba'.
On initial refusal, it was considered there would be a 'negative impact' on the community caused by the numbers of people attending the temple. There was also concerns for 'operation, safety and accessibility of the local highway'.
Now, the latest application includes a new traffic management plan.
The charity states that the temple would enable SHITAL to 'extend their charitable services for Milton Keynes throughout the year' as well as offering after school clubs, venue hire and says it will be working with local charity.
Planning permission also explains that the Temple will celebrate all major Indian festivals including Vijaya Dasami, Ram Navami, Diwali, and Guru Pournami.
The resubmittion of the planning application has caused controversy between residents with over 250 public representations submitted. One resident has suggested that the new traffic management plan does not resolve the initial concerns from the previous application, while another states that the building would not be in keeping with the local area.
Despite previous petitions and the rejection from Milton Keynes Council, the group states that it has since undertaken a public engagement exercise and sought pre-application advice from the Council.
A Planning Committee Meeting is set to take place tonight at the Shenley Brook End and Tattenhoe Parish offices, 1 Wimborne Crescent, Westcroft MK4 4DB. Residents are being invited to go along.
