Unanimous approval for The Lakes Estate Regeneration
The Lakes Estate was granted planning permission last night with a unanimous vote after nearly 2 hours of serious discussion. There was overwhelming support for this community-led regeneration, and the committee said they were proud to approve a scheme which so clearly provides what the residents want and a great vision for the future. This is the first regeneration scheme to receive consent in Milton Keynes, a new town which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
We have worked very closely with the residents, with some of the tenants in Serpentine Court forming a pro-active steering group, who have been tireless in communicating with the council and their neighbours. A ballot with 93% majority in favour of regeneration, and feedback from 20 engagement events, endorse the planning application.
The proposals include 589 new sustainable homes and will be the first major scheme that is designed to the new 2019 Plan:MK standards which set out an ambitious and innovative sustainable vision for the future of homes in Milton Keynes. 301 new homes will be built within phase 1 with a 192 affordable homes being built to resettle existing Serpentine Court residents. Phase 1 will also include mixed-use areas that will form part of the new village green that connects the centre of the Lakes Estate with a renovated Warren Park.
HTA have developed a range of affordable house types in close collaboration with existing residents and Milton Keynes Council. The objective was to design a range of homes that are sustainable, adaptable and attractive. Due to poor living conditions within Serpentine Court, Modern methods of construction are also being explored to help accelerate the construction process and ensure that existing residents are able to move to new homes as soon as possible.
HTA have also been appointed to develop proposal for estate wide improvements to improve existing parking, play spaces, cycle connections and landscaping.
The Lakes has been shortlisted for a Landscape Institute award for Excellence in Place Regeneration.
