Plans on how Milton Keynes can make the most of change and growth over the next 25 years have gone into the next stage of examination with planning inspectors.

The Milton Keynes City Plan 2050 sets out how the city can meet future demand for homes, jobs, infrastructure and public services while protecting green spaces, supporting climate action and maintaining the quality of life that residents value.

Every Local Planning Authority (usually a council) must submit a local plan for their area to the Government. The plan is then reviewed by government appointed independent planning inspectors.

So far, Milton Keynes has had 9 days of hearings held over three weeks for the initial examination where the City Council answered over 300 questions.

Plans on how Milton Keynes can make the most of change and growth over the next 25 years have gone into the next stage of examination with planning inspectors. Photo: Milton Keynes City Council

placeholder image — Plans on how Milton Keynes can make the most of change and growth over the next 25 years have gone into the next stage of examination with planning inspectors. Photo: Milton Keynes City Council

Hearings investigate how a local plan covers housing, transport, employment, infrastructure and environmental needs. They give inspectors the opportunity to hear from the city council, developers, community representatives and other organisations with an interest in Milton Keynes' future.

Having an up-to-date and robust Local Plan is also important in protecting communities from unplanned development. It provides a clear framework for where growth should take place, helping to ensure new development is supported by the infrastructure and services residents need.

It includes proposals for at least 50,000 additional homes, while supporting investment that will create jobs, strengthen the local economy and help communities thrive.

Its key principle is that growth should be matched by the infrastructure and facilities people need. New homes should be supported by schools, healthcare services, community facilities, transport links and green spaces.

The Plan also explores opportunities to improve how people travel around Milton Keynes in the future, including the potential for a metro system linking key growth areas with the city centre. It also sets out other ambitions for the city centre, including new jobs, higher education opportunities and spaces for culture and entertainment.

Since 2023, around 7,000 comments about the draft Plan have been received from residents, businesses and community groups, helping to influence the proposals going forward.

The next stage of the examination will include providing more information to the inspectors on certain issues raised during the first round of hearings. A second round of hearings is expected next year, where inspectors can explore remaining issues. The examination is ongoing until the inspectors' set out their final conclusions.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, Cllr Jenny Wilson-Marklew said: "Reaching this stage is an important milestone for Milton Keynes. The first round of hearings gave us the opportunity to explain the evidence behind the Plan and how it seeks to meet the needs of local people while ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support future development.

"The Milton Keynes City Plan 2050 is about thinking ahead, creating opportunities for residents and businesses, and planning for sustainable growth.”