Milton Keynes Council given green light for £128m major regeneration project in the Lakes Estate

    Milton Keynes Council has granted planning permission for its first major regeneration project, which will include some of the country’s most environmentally friendly homes.

    The regeneration proposals for the Lakes Estate in Bletchley were given permission at a council meeting yesterday in which councillors praised the community for their involvement in shaping the plans.

    The Council first began speaking with residents about regeneration options in 2017 and has worked jointly with the community on the successful outcome of the planning application. In a ballot that took place in 2018, 93% of those who took part voted to demolish Serpentine Court and redevelop the estate.

    MK Council is now in the process of recruiting the contractors to deliver the scheme. The Council’s Cabinet will be asked to formally approve the funding of the project later this year.

    Work would start as early as 2021 with an expected completion date of 2026/27.

    MK Council will help set up an Estate Renewal Forum for the Lakes Estate which will be tasked with supporting the non-physical aspects of regeneration, including access to training and jobs and improving health and wellbeing.

    Cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, Councillor Carole Baume said: “This is a significant milestone in the project and brings us a step closer to delivering the regeneration that local people voted for. Planning approval will give local people much needed assurance that we are committed to the redevelopment of Serpentine Court and making improvements in the wider Lakes Estate.

    “These proposals will go much further than just building new homes for our most vulnerable communities – they will improve life chances and give local people the opportunities to fulfil their true potential. The local community has been instrumental in helping us reach this point. I’d like to thank the SCSG, council colleagues and residents for their commitment over the past few years. I look forward to continuing our engagement with the whole community through the construction period.”

    Chair of Serpentine Court Steering Group (SCSG) Danielle Slaymaker said: “This is a monumental moment for us. We welcome the decision which will give us much needed new homes. Serpentine Court has desperately needed investment for many years and we’re glad that the plans are now progressing. I’d like to thank the whole community, my team and MK Council for helping us reach this point.

    The investment in Serpentine Court and the Lakes Estate will include:

    • 589 green new homes, including approx. 50% council homes
    • A new local centre with new shops
    • An improved and enhanced Warren Park
    • Street enhancements across the Lakes Estate
    • Improved bus network and parking
    • An onsite energy centre, which is expected to help cut the carbon footprint by 50% per household
     

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