Plans to be agreed to give better 'life chances' to those living on Milton Keynes' 'struggling' estates

The council’s revised Community-led Estate Renewal and Regeneration Strategy includes improving health and wellbeing, increasing access to better jobs and skills, and creating safe and welcoming neighbourhoods.

The new strategy, which is due to be formally agreed at a meeting on Tuesday 20 October, focuses on improving life chances in some MK estates where people are struggling economically. It also proposes a move away from full property demolition.

A Milton Keynes Council (MKC) spokesperson said: "The new plan is about building stronger and healthier communities, and emphasises the importance of involving local people in shaping proposals and setting priorities from the outset.

"MKC work with local people and organisations to establish new estate renewal forums. Working alongside the council, the group will set the priorities that directly relate to their estate and create a plan about how this will be achieved.

"Over the coming months, MKC will be contacting local residents and organisations, including parish councils, Thames Valley Police and others to begin the process of establishing these new groups."

The council's Carole Baume said: “This new strategy is about empowering local people to be involved in shaping the future of their communities. We need to move on from the fear of wholesale demolition and work with our residents to deliver on what really matters to them, so they have the opportunities to fulfil their true potential.

“I look forward to working with council colleagues and partners in setting up Estate Renewal Forums over the coming months and listening to people’s thoughts about how we can deliver stronger, safer and healthier communities across our city.”

The Community-led Estate Renewal and Regeneration Strategy is centred on six key themes:

Better homes

To improve the quality of council homes, giving all tenants access to a property that is warm and safe

Communities

To work with local people to determine their needs and create a welcoming neighbourhood, which people are proud to live in

Environmental and sustainability

To build sustainably designed homes, helping MK reach its energy efficiency ambitions while also cutting energy costs for tenants

Health and wellbeing

Develop proposals which encourage healthy living environments

Community safety

To work with local partners to tackle crime and create safe and welcoming neighbourhoods

Better jobs and skills

To improve life chances by giving local people better access to jobs and training

The council said it is committed to delivering renewal on five areas previously identified, which are Beanhill, Bradville, Coffee Hall, Netherfield and Tinkers Bridge after recently approving plans for its first major regeneration project in the Lakes Estate.

Future areas for estate renewal will be decided based on a range of criteria, including the quality of council housing and economic data, MKC said.