Demolition has started at a former sheltered housing site in Netherfield to make way for up to 200 new affordable council homes including potentially 60 sheltered housing units.
Earlier this week, MK Council’s new Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Emily Darlington, visited the site to see how work was progressing.
Once sheltered housing, the Buckland Lodge site is no longer in use as it became not fit for purpose. Following discussions with Woughton Community Council and ward councillors it was agreed that the building would be demolished and replaced with much needed new homes, including provision for improved sheltered housing.
In addition to new homes at Buckland Lodge, the neighbouring Cripps Lodge site is expected to be demolished in the coming weeks and could be used to build more than 60 new homes. While it is subject to planning permission, homes at Cripps Lodge are likely to include supported living features for elderly residents, including wheelchair friendly homes and emergency call alarms.
Prior to submitting a planning application for Buckland Lodge later this year, the Council will engage extensively with the local community to determine the type and number of new homes that are needed in Netherfield.
MK Council is committed to ensuring properties do not sit empty as it seeks to address the housing shortage in city. Over the next two years, the Council is proposing to build 500 affordable council homes for families in MK.
Coronavirus will undoubtedly present challenges to these targets and the Council is speaking with its contractors to determine the likely impact on the housing market and construction sector.
Cabinet Member for Public Realm, Cllr Emily Darlington said: “The demolition at Buckland Lodge is the very start of the programme to build 500 new council homes across MK. I’d like to thank Woughton Community Council for helping us reach this stage and look forward to consulting with the community as we prepare a planning application.
“We know there’s a desperate housing shortage in Milton Keynes and it’s important that we build the right type of homes that local people both need and can afford, including more sheltered housing. We’ll continue playing our part in building strong and healthy neighbourhoods, ensuring Milton Keynes remains an affordable place to live.”
If residents would like more information about the proposals or have any questions, please email Housing.Enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
Watch Cllr Emily Darlington on the first day of demolition in the video below.
