Plan for new temple in Milton Keynes is recommended for approval

Some 470 comments were sent to Milton Keynes Council about the plan for grassland east of St Agnes Way, with 319 writing in support, and 142 against.

There has also been a petition against the scheme signed by more than 700 people, and opposition from Shenley Brook End and Tattenhoe Parish Council.

Objectors include the chair of the development control committee, Cllr Anthony Brown (Lab), who will be standing down from the chair during the debate and will not be able to vote on the issue.

Another Tattenhoe councillor, James Lancaster (Cons) has also opposed the plan from the Shirdi Saibaba Temple Association of London (SHITAL).

Neither Cllr Brown nor Cllr Lancaster will be able to take part in the debate or vote at next Thursday's (October 8) committee because they have declared their positions in advance of the debate.

Cllr Lancaster is calling for the vote to be deferred for two weeks because of new information provided, and to give residents the chance to marshall their arguments.

Objectors claim that the Hindu temple would make traffic problems in the residential area worse, especially when it attracts up to 300 people to occasional events.

In recommending planning permission be granted, council officers say the applicants have proposed 55 parking spaces, with is all they are required to do for a place of worship.

They say that they cannot be expected so solve the area's parking problems.

But council officers want the applicants to create a travel plan to show how they would lessen the impacts on the area.

As for the shipping container design, council officers say: "Whilst the proposed building and its materials are unconventional it is modern and

innovative and consistent with Milton Keynes reputation as an ambitious, forward thinking city."

The development control committee's virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, October 8. It will be broadcast live on the Milton Keynes Council YouTube channel from 7pm.