intu makes its move on controversial Milton Keynes plan

intu, in Midsummer Place, has applied to Milton Keynes Council for approval for the appearance, scale, and landscaping for phase one of the two hectare centre’s redevelopment.

The principle of redevelopment was granted by a government planning inspector in July 2017, and the latest application seeks approval for the details. At the time there was huge controversy over the protection of a 20m strip through the centre of the boulevard areas of Midsummer Place for a “public transport system”. This was reduced by agreement to 15m.

Now the planning agent, Barton Willmore, in documents available online for the public to comment on, say the proposal is for the partial demolition and redevelopment of the Boulevard and Oak Court to provide a range of retail, financial and professional and restaurant uses, leisure, and public realm and highway works.

The current set of retailers include Waterstones, GAP, Zara and Hollister, Pret a Manager, Ed’s Easy Diner, Starbucks, Chopstix and Millie’s Cookies.

But Barton Willmore are proposing to reconfigure the area by demolishing the units comprising Pret-A-Manger, Chopstix and Burger King and put a three-storey retail unit in its place. It would be occupied by a “single comparison retail tenant.”

Report author, Ben Shaw, writes: “The proposed development presents an important opportunity to regenerate this key town centre site and secure its future as a vital and viable retail and leisure destination, delivering new and improved restaurants and cafés, including accommodation suitable for national retailers, responding to current market trends and shopping habits. The regeneration scheme aims to fulfil the potential of the site, addressing the deficiencies of this part of the existing shopping centre.”

A period of public consultation has been launched and the council plans to determine the outcome by Wednesday, June 5, 2019.

Among other recent planning applications lodged with MK Council are:

Details submitted pursuant to discharge condition 13 (Private and Adopted Road Lighting and Illumination Layout, Aspect Ecology Review of Lighting attached to planning permission 18/00735/FUL. Land Off Ladbroke Grove, Monkston Park, Milton Keynes.

Non material amendment to application 16/02996/FUL to amend the approved landscaping scheme referred to in condition 1, to update appendix 1, tracking drawing of the transport statement, and to amend the approved site plan, plan, section and elevations referred to in 18/00736/NMA. Land North of 1 To 9, Heathfield, Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes.

Advertisement consent for wayfinding signage for the public open spaces adjacent to the new Campbell Wharf Marina site. Campbell Wharf Marina, Frobisher Gate, Newlands, Milton Keynes.

Details submitted pursuant to discharge of condition 4 (External Materials), conditon 5 (Landscape Management/Maintanence Scheme) and condition 10 (Estate Roads/Footpaths Details) attached to planning permission 18/01306/REM. Land Off Walton Road, Wavendon.

Replacement boulevard shopfront. 82A Midsummer Arcade, Central Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes, MK9 3BQ.

Certificate of lawfulness conversion of attic into habitable space including the construction of a dormer window to the rear elevation and addition of a rooflights to the front elevation. 145 Blanchland Circle, Monkston, Milton Keynes, MK10 9GU.

Change of use from retail (A1) to an Orthodontics Practice (D1). Internal alterations to form practice including partitioning, a new mezzanine floor, a new stair and associated fixtures, fittings and services. 18 The Concourse, Brunel Centre, Locke Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2HE.

Details submitted pursuant to discharge of condition 7 (Landscape Scheme) and condition 9 (Car Park Construction/Surfacing Details) attached to planning permission 15/03132/FUL. Ashton House, Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2AH.

Demolition of existing bungalow and existing garage & erection of new two storey residential dwelling and new single garage. Donelly, 3 Newport Road Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8AG.

Listed building consent for external and internal security measures to the side elevation external doors of Boots, including internally fitted collapsible gate, externally fitted heavy duty steel bar gate and externally fitted steel. 43 High Street, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1AA.

Erection of a two storey building containing two flats and associated works. Flat B, 56 High Street, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8AQ.

External and internal security measures to the side elevation external doors of Boots, including internally fitted collapsible gate, externally fitted heavy duty steel bar gate and externally fitted steel plate. 43 High Street, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1AA.

Notification of intention to remove Tree (T1) requires removal as it roots are causing damage to a small retaining wall. The Lodge, Wolverton Park Road, Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5EP.

Advertisement consent for 1800 x 1500 box sign to gable end of the premises (Current approval no 14/01315/ADV expires June 2019). Neville Funeral Services, 3 Aspley Hill, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, MK17 8NH.

Certificate of lawfulness for a C4 Licensed house in multiple occupation. 36 Laidon Close, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 3NU.

Details submitted pursuant to discharge of condition 5 (Water Drainage Scheme), condition 7 (Finished Floor Levels) and condition 8 (Tree Protection) attached to planning permission 18/00606/FUL. Land East of Barrosa Way And South of Watling Street, Barrosa Way, Whitehouse, Milton Keynes.

Notification of intention to make various changes to silver birches (T1-T2), ashes (T76, T79, T107), sycamore’s (GP17, T92, T95, T99-T100), Limes (GP18), and horse chestnut trees (T102, T119-T120). Wolverton Secret Garden, Stratford Road, Wolverton.

Details submitted pursuant to discharge of condition 11 (Route Scheme) attached to 05/00291/MKPCO. Wea Area 10-1 – 10-3 Watling Street H3 To H4 Milton Keynes.

Advertisement consent to erect a freestanding, powder coated white, steel sign depicting the letter “D” shaped from teliprinter tape. Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB.

Notification of intention to reduce 1 x Acacia tree, crown, thin and lift 2 x Lyme trees and trim 2 x Silver Birch trees mature lime tree that is in close proximity to the building next door. According to a tree surgeon this would warrant a low lateral limb reduction away from the property. As it’s quite a feature on the local landscape he would not recommend an all round reduction . He recommends a crown thin and lift with a reduction over the road and next door property to reduce the risk of limb failure. The height doesn’t seem to be a problem and therefore does not need to be touched. Chaff House, Church Lane, Emberton, Olney, MK46 5DD.