Tattenhoe Ward Councillors have responded to residents’ traffic concerns after plans for a new Hindu temple in Tattenhoe were approved.
Last Thursday (6/7), proposed plans for a new Temple and Community Hall east of St Agnes Way in Tattenhoe, have been approved by the Planning Committee on Milton Keynes City Council.
The Temple and Community Hall, which has been given the green light for land next to Tattenhoe Pavilion, will be used for day to day worship, weddings and festivals.
Following its approval, residents had raised concerns over issues with traffic and parking in the area, with several speaking in objection at the Planning Committee meeting. The committee voted ten votes to one for approval of the plans.
Tattenhoe ward councillors, Shazna Muzammil, Manish Verma and James Lancaster have all issued statements to reassure residents that they will now work closely with Milton Keynes City Council and the developers to ensure that 'any issues' are dealt with.
Shazna Muzammil and Manish Verma, Conservative councillors for the Tattenhoe ward said: “We extend our sincere thanks to the parish council, as well as all the residents who actively participated in the meeting, voiced their concerns, raised objections online, and came out to support one another. Your unwavering commitment to our community's well-being truly exemplifies the remarkable spirit that exists within Tattenhoe.
"We want to acknowledge that objections were based on valid concerns regarding traffic, aesthetics, and parking in the proposed location. We firmly believe that it is essential to address these issues to ensure the smooth integration of any new development into our community. However, despite collective efforts, the planning committee made the decision to approve the application with 26 conditions in place. We want to assure all residents that we remain steadfast in our commitment to our community and will continue to advocate for the best interests of our residents.”
Both Councillors are keen to reiterate that neither they nor the residents objected to the temple itself, but that concerns lay with the proposed location due to the already prevalent issues of traffic congestion and limited parking in the area.
"All involved believe places of worship are important community hubs, but it is important that they are built in the right place for both the existing residents and those who attend the site," a spokesperson added.
James Lancaster, Labour councillor for the Tattenhoe ward added: "As ward councillor for Tattenhoe I objected to the application, citing worries around parking provision. My objections, alongside those mentioned by others that night, were considered by the planning committee. A number of residents also spoke in favour of application. I understand there are already parking concerns in the area, but a planning application can't be used to solve an existing problem. The application was approved on a cross-party basis by ten votes to one, with no abstentions. Now that the application has been approved, I will work with local residents and temple officials to try and ensure that any issues that arise are discussed and dealt with."
The application was approved with 26 conditions in place and the councillors will be working closely with residents and Milton Keynes City Council to ensure that the conditions are met by the applicants.
The conditions are due to be reviewed in 12 months.
