Shock as council “failure” causes postponement of Milton Keynes giant warehouse planning appeal

Despite being one of the hottest political topics in Milton Keynes, a letter that should have been received by residents living in the shadow of the 18m tall warehouse hasn’t been seen.

Residents had been wanting to make their comments at the appeal, and alerted the Planning Inspectorate.

A spokesperson for the Planning Inspectorate said: “Due to the local planning authority having failed to give interested parties the requisite four weeks to submit comments, the appeal regarding Blakelands 1, Milton Keynes has been postponed.

“The Planning Inspectorate is now liaising with the local planning authority to confirm a new timetable which will be confirmed and communicated as soon as possible.

“It’s important that people who have an interest in a development have the opportunity to participate in the planning process.”

The appeal hearing had been scheduled to start on February 25. It had been necessary after developers GUPI 6 had appealed a council decision not to allow heavy lorries to use the warehouse in Yeoman’s Drive 24 hours a day.

Council leader Cllr Pete Marland (Lab, Wolverton) declined to comment but his political opponents reacted with disbelief.

Cllr John Bint (Broughton), the Conservative group’s planning spokesperson said: “It is yet again another example of the Labour-led council failing to perform the most basic of planning functions and we remain deeply concerned at the implications, both for residents of Blakelands and across the city.”

Blakelands ward councillor Jane Carr, (Lib Dem, Newport Pagnell South) said: “We are shocked that this has happened. The residents of Blakelands have been through a lot, and this just adds to their concerns. We hope that this is resolved quickly.”

A Blakelands Residents Association (BRA) spokesperson said: “It has been confirmed to us today that the Planning Inspectorate have decided to restart the appeal process for the appeal into 24/7 operations at the Blakelands warehouse.

“It is beyond comprehension how Milton Keynes Council continues to make significant administrative mistakes over the Blakelands warehouse.

“We have been promised time and time again that there would be no further mistakes, but these are empty promises.

“This latest blunder just confirms the overwhelming view that the planning department is not fit for purpose and there should be an intervention by the Secretary of State.

“We are grateful to the Planning Inspectorate and the inspector for deciding to restart the appeal process. It is vitally important that the residents of Blakelands are given the opportunity to submit their comments for this appeal.”

An MK Council spokesman said: “The council stands by the original decision to impose restrictions on the site and has submitted evidence to strongly defend that decision through this appeal process.

“The appeal hearing is being rescheduled and residents and other interested parties are being notified on how to submit comments.”