'Monumental moment' as 589 green new homes set to be built on Milton Keynes estate

The regeneration proposals for the Lakes Estate in Bletchley were given permission at a Milton Keynes Council (MKC) meeting on Thursday (October 8) in which councillors praised the community for their involvement in shaping the plans.

The investment in Serpentine Court and the Lakes Estate will include: 589 green new homes, including approximately 50 per cent council homes, a new local centre with new shops, an improved and enhanced Warren Park, street enhancements across the estate, improved bus network and parking and an onsite energy centre, which is expected to help cut the carbon footprint by 50 per cent per household.

Councillor Carole Baume said: “This is a significant milestone in the project and brings us a step closer to delivering the regeneration that local people voted for.

"Planning approval will give local people much needed assurance that we are committed to the redevelopment of Serpentine Court and making improvements in the wider Lakes Estate.

“These proposals will go much further than just building new homes for our most vulnerable communities – they will improve life chances and give local people the opportunities to fulfil their true potential."

The councillor said the local community has been instrumental in reaching this point and thanked the Chair of Serpentine Court Steering Group (SCSG), her council colleagues and residents for their commitment over the past few years

Chair of SCSG Danielle Slaymaker said: “This is a monumental moment for us. We welcome the decision which will give us much needed new homes. Serpentine Court has desperately needed investment for many years and we’re glad that the plans are now progressing. I’d like to thank the whole community, my team and MK Council for helping us reach this point."

MKC said it first began speaking with residents about regeneration options in 2017.

In a ballot that took place in 2018, 93 per cent of those who took part voted to demolish Serpentine Court and redevelop the estate.

An MKC spokesperson said "MKC is now in the process of recruiting the contractors to deliver the scheme. The council’s cabinet will be asked to formally approve the funding of the project later this year.

"Work would start as early as 2021 with an expected completion date of 2026/27.

"MKC will help set up an Estate Renewal Forum for the Lakes Estate which will be tasked with supporting the non-physical aspects of regeneration, including access to training and jobs and improving health and wellbeing."