‘Slum flats’ won’t be allowed in this Milton Keynes town say developers

Developers have rejected fears that a proposed new block of flats could turn into “slums” with mattresses and washing hanging out to dry on their balconies.
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The fears were aired at an online meeting of Milton Keynes Council’s development review forum on Monday (July 6) when attendees were scrutinising a proposal to build on a Burger King site in Bletchley.

“There is the potential for it to become a slum,” said Mandy Shipp, of Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council. “That would be a concern for me.”

But Amir Hussain, of Yeme Architects, said the block of 130 flats off Saxon Street were inspired by schemes in Barcelona and London. It would have its own concierge and be a high quality development.

The Burger King site sits off Saxon Street in BletchleyThe Burger King site sits off Saxon Street in Bletchley
The Burger King site sits off Saxon Street in Bletchley

“The number of units in itself does not cause problems,” he said.

Tenancy agreements between the landlord and the tenants of the 51 one-bed, 74 two-bed and five three-bed flats could cover those kinds of issues, the meeting heard.

The forum is where developers come to the council to discuss issues before lodging a planning application.

Two slices of land on either side of the Burger King site have already been given planning permission, the meeting heard.

The 19 attendees of the Microsoft Teams meeting, including local councillors, were invited to discuss the design of the buildings as a part of the pre-application process.

Tim Skelton, of the MK Forum, urged the developers to try something new.

He said other brick-built developments were “depressingly the same” and wants something a “little bit bolder.”

Cllr Allan Rankine (Cons, Bletchley Park) said a “large flat black wall” in the design would provide a “blank canvas for graffiti artists”.

And he added: “The graffiti artists in that area aren’t that great.”

The comments will be officially recorded by the council as part of the planning application’s case file.