Milton Keynes estate residents vote for regeneration

Residents living on a Milton Keynes council estate have voted in favour of regeneration plans, including new homes and a community hub.

Milton Keynes Council announced that 55% of residents who took part in a ballot last month, voted in favour of estate-wide improvements.

The improvements will include 369 new homes – 20% of which will be affordable and the refurbishment of all existing council homes with an option of improving private properties.

A hub for the community with shops and local facilities, including green areas, additional parking spaces and improved cycling routes will also be built.

Almost two thirds (65%) of residents turned out to vote on 29 and 30 November following two years of discussions between the council and the residents.

The other options were for no redevelopment, or for refurbishment and new homes.

Ahead of the ballot, Milton Keynes Council worked with the Fullers Slade Residents’ Steering Group (RSG) to organise 22 consultation events attended by more than 700 people.

A planning application for the regeneration project is expected to be submitted next year.

‘Thank you to everyone who turned out to vote,’ said Milton Keynes Council’s director of housing and regeneration, Michael Kelleher.

‘We have made it clear from the outset that it’s local people who will decide on the future of their estate. We will continue talking with local people as we prepare to submit a planning application.

‘I’d also like to thank the RSG and council colleagues for their work over the past two years and look forward to continuing to work with the community throughout the process.’

This is Milton Keynes Council’s second regeneration ballot, following the vote that took place in Serpentine Court on the Lakes Estate last year.

‘The RSG accepts the decision made today by residents however as always we remain mindful of those for whom this may be disappointing news,’ said RSG chair, Sylvia Airs.

‘This is not the end of the regeneration process but simply the end of the first stage. We will now continue to work with all residents through the detailed planning and design stage to help develop a plan that will ensure Fullers Slade homes, estate and the community becomes the very best it can be and a place we are proud  to call home, a place where others will want to come and visit.

‘We thank all those who turned out to vote today and in doing so made sure their voices mattered,’ she added.

Photo Credit – Andi Breit (Pixabay)