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In a rare move, four groups have joined forces to criticise the proposed new system, saying it could prompt the end of MK's green spaces and turn our landscaped grid roads into "choked city streets".

And local people could be cut out of the planning process and not have a say, they warn.

The city’s civic society, MK Forum, and the Fred Roche Foundation have teamed up with campaign groups Xplain and Residents of Renewal Estates (RoRE) to protest about the latest government White Paper.

Open spaces like this could be developed under the proposed reforms, say protesters

If adopted, it would see most of New Town Milton Keynes designated as a ‘renewal area’, meaning new developments would be given automatic planning permission, without public consultation. And planning ‘rules’ would be set by national bodies rather than locally.

In a rare alignment of all political parties, Milton Keynes Council has also unanimously voted to condemn these plans.

At a recent meeting, councillors warned the changes would put the fate of MK in the hands of a few big house-builders and make affordable homes even harder to find.

“The White Paper aims to streamline the planning process to deliver more homes,” said RoRE’s David Lee. “But when you drill down there are many alarming aspects. Most of MK would be targeted for infill of residential areas, giving developers the upper hand in building on our open green spaces.”

Four campaign groups have joined forces to object

Linda Inoki, chair of Xplain, said: “The people of MK have had many debates with the council and developers, but it’s always been about keeping MK special. Localism has been crucial to raising standards in recent years, but it’s to be demolished.

"Guaranteeing planning consent for infill housing means that protest will be futile. Standards and the quality of life will drop, while corporate profits rise. Unless people oppose this centralised power grab the next twenty years could spell the ruin of Milton Keynes.”

Tim Skelton, chair of MK Forum, said: "Events of the past few months have shown, more than ever, the value that the residents of Milton Keynes place upon our open spaces. We are concerned that the White Paper offers too little protection for these treasured parts of our city and that they could become an easy target for development”.

Campaigners are urging concerned residents to write to their MPs and the Government. Anyone can respond to the Government’s consultation on the new White Paper here.

Or they can email http://[email protected]. A template for a letter of objection can be

found on Xplain’s website here .

The deadline for comments is Thursday October 29.

Milton Keynes green open spaces could be developed in 20 years' time, say campaigners