Milton Keynes reveals green council housing plan
Milton Keynes Council has set out plans to build what it claims will be some of the most ‘environmentally friendly homes’ in the borough.
The local authority said it is intending to build 500 new council homes by 2022 and a further 700 by 2030, totalling 1,200.
This is in addition to 1,402 replacement and additional homes on the regeneration estates, with proposals in both the Lakes Estate and Fullers Slade well advanced.
In addition, Milton Keynes Council is investing £50m in its current homes to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce energy costs for tenants.
It is part of the council’s ambition for Milton Keynes to become carbon neutral by 2030, a recently announced record breaking investment in ensuring MK’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19 is a green and fair one, and a new business plan for affordable homes that cabinet will review in September.
The council’s latest proposals will create almost 400 local jobs and 150 apprenticeships.
If plans are approved, the council will consult with council tenants and leaseholders before action starts. Council tenants can expect more energy efficient heating systems, improved insulation and better windows among other measures.
‘Building homes for MK families is a priority for the council,’ said cabinet member for public realm and council housing, Cllr Emily Darlington.
‘After years of losing homes through Right to Buy, this ambitious plan to build more than 1,200 homes will rectify years of underinvestment. Every building site will also support the creation of local jobs and apprenticeships delivering for local communities in this time of recession.
‘Alongside the recession we also face the challenge of climate change so making sure our current and new build council homes are the greenest they can be is part of the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon negative by 2050. It will also help tackle fuel poverty and lower energy bills for our tenants.’
Photo Credit – Free-Photos (Pixabay)
