Milton Keynes Council development review forum

The last development review forum was held online via MS Teams on Monday 1 November 2021

The following developments were discussed:

  • the redevelopment of the Santander facility at Shenley Wood to provide around 300 dwellings
  • the redevelopment of the Ex-Travis Perkins builders yard site on Simpson Road, Bletchley to 102 flats of 1,2 & 3 bedrooms, including parking provisions and landscaping

Who Can Attend?

  • The forum is a public meeting and is open to anyone

Overall aims of forum

  • streamline the planning application process by addressing stakeholder comments on design at the pre-application stage
  • improve quality of design elements within schemes
  • raise profile of design
  • allow for greater input by local stakeholders on design issues with aim of reducing local objections

Purpose

  • An opportunity for developers to present their scheme at pre-application to stakeholders and make any changes in light of comments received.

What is in scope

  • focus is on design (layout and building/s appearance but can include landscaping and highway related matters, such as parking)
  • a report of what was said at the forum will form part of case officer's application report

What is out of scope?

  • discussion on principle of development or development's impact on surrounding area such as road network

Timing / sequencing of forum in the planning application process

  • application should ideally come to the forum after initial review of scheme by officers as part of the pre-application process

Status

  • the forum is voluntary although MK Council initiated schemes will be submitted to the Forum.

Logistics

  • the forum will take place every 2 months on Monday 6pm -7.30pm
  • meetings will be informal
  • a maximum of 2 applications will be presented and discussed at each forum. The format for each application will be as follows:
    • presentation by the applicant/agent – 15 minutes
    • questions and views from stakeholders present – 15 minutes
    • response by applicant to questions/comments – 15 minutes

Cost

  • the forum will form part of the pre-application process. The forum is not open for applicants who do not enter into a pre-application or planning performance agreement with the Local Planning Authority.

Chairing arrangements

  • the Forum will be chaired by someone from the Urban Design Team supported by the relevant case officers

Terms of reference

Past meeting notes