Aylesbury Vale Concerned over Milton Keynes expansion |
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The cabinet felt that it could not support any of the six options as they stand. Instead, the cabinnet highlighted to MKP that there are potential problems with each of the existing options and recommend a new option be developed. So far, MKP have identified space for 34,000 new homes within Milton Keynes Borough. In addition, MKP have suggested the following: Option 1 Another 17,300 homes on land within Milton Keynes, plus 8,600 to the south east of the town and another 8,600 to the south- west ( mostly around the Newton Longville area in Aylesbury Vale. ) Option 2 Another 17,300 homes on land within Milton keynes, plus another 10,400 to the south east of the town and 6,900 to the south. Option 3 Another 17,300 homes on land within Milton Keynes 17,300 homes on land within Milton keynes plus 10,400 to the south west of the twon and 6,900 to the west ( in both cases making significant growth in Aylesbury Vale in a broad crescent from north of Whaddon to east of Newton Longville ). Option 4 Another 12,300 homes on land within Milton keynes, plus 11,100 to the south east of town and 11,100 to the south west ( again in Aylesbury Vale ). Option 5 Another 3,300 homes land within Milton Keynes plus 10,400 to the south east of town and 20,800 to the south west ( extending towards Little Horwood, Mursley and Draton Parslow, in Aylesbury Vale ) Option 6 Another 3,300 homes on land within Milton keynes plus 10,400 to the south east of town and 20,800 to the east of the M1. Further information was displayed at public exhibitions in November 2005 and the closing date for public comments was on January 12th . Now MKP have to agree a preferred option which will be worked up into a firmer proposal for public consultation in May. Aylesbury Vale's cabinet have suggested that most of the growths hould be concentrated in Milton Keynes itself and that locations for new communities should be provided with good transport links and employment opportunities, keeping greenfield development to a minimum and protecting the countryside. Councillor Carole Paternoster, Cabinet Mmember for Planned Development said ' We have very grave concerns about how these options have been produced, the lack of information they contain and the consultation process associated with the expansion of Milton Keynes . The process gives a perception of a total disregard for the views and concerns of local residents, particularly those who live in the north of the Vale. 'The timescale in which we have been asked to reach a view on such major issues has been far too short and has not allowed us to engage in proper democratic or community involvement. The fact that such a crucial consultation was undertaken during the run up and throughout the Christmas holiday season does not allow local residents a meaningful opportunity for involvment and is unacceptable. ' We are also concerened that AVDC observer status only on the Milton keynes Partnership Committee and yet four of the options being considered have very significant impacts on the Vale.' Cllr Paternoster concludes that a hybrid options should be developed, allowing for full and proper consultation. My guess would be that a large part of the development will go toward the west and north of the Vale because it offers the line of least resistance and will please some by breaking into the traditional Tory cointryside, with a good bit of urbanisation. Political Editor. |