Home is where the council says
Planning decisions to be devolved back to local authorities
The power to forge the future of Milton Keynes is back in the hands of its people.
At a full meeting on Tuesday night, councillors voted in a motion to return the planning process to the authority – and local democracy.
As called for by Councillor David Hopkins, the council and city now "has the opportunity to finally shape and govern its own destiny."
Mr Hopkins, Danesborough ward councillor and deputy leader of the Conservative Group, was referring to the new coalition government's decision to axe regional planning bodies.
In a recent letter to all local heads of planning, new housing minister Eric Pickles confirmed the abolition of Regional Strategies , signalling the return of 'decision making powers on housing and planning to local councils.'
Mr Hopkins referred to the letter and told the full chamber: "Uniquely Milton Keynes Council has never been in control of its own destiny.
"First Milton Keynes Development Corporation, then the Commission for New Towns, then English Partnerships and most recently the Homes and Communities Agency effectively dictated our agenda allowing us little more than a bit part in shaping our own domain."
He also raised the South East Strategic Development Area and called for the removal of the building 'threat' of some 10,400 homes near Wavendon, Woburn Sands and Aspley Guise.
His motion was successfully amended by Independent Councillor Liz Campbell who called for the council to formally oppose the Salden Chase development.
The authority will not make a decision on the controversial plans as they fall within the remit of Aylesbury Vale District Council.
A total of 25 members of the council voted in favour of the motion while 21 opposed it, including council leader Cec Tallack and former leader Sam Crooks.
Mr Crooks later told the Citizen: "Yes we have voted to abolish regional spatial planning, but that has not removed the target of building some 41,000 homes.
"We can't just cut off this possibility – there is a real housing need in the country and Milton Keynes."
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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Wind direction: East
