Secretary of State approves intu Milton Keynes shopping centre plans

The conclusion of a lengthy and costly public inquiry has seen Milton Keynes Council forced to spend £150,000 defending its decision to permit the scheme - which would see the partial demolition of Oak Court and an expansion featuring a boutique cinema, new shops and more restaurants.

The Citizen had reported back in November that the inquiry was costing MK Council a 'fortune' in legal fees.

The council’s Development Control Committee granted permission for the development back in September 2015, but a few weeks later it was called in by the Secretary of State after objectors complained that the development went against the CMK Business Neighbourhood Plan by building on land designated as public open space.

But that argument has been rejected after a seven-day inquiry was held last year, and the decision that was made 22 months ago has been upheld by Sajid Javid.

It brings to an end a long-running battle in which MK Council insisted there were “no winners”.

A spokesman for the authority said: “The challenge has inevitability caused some tensions, however Central MK can finally move forward with more clarity.

“Defending the decision was about our ability to balance all the policies of MK Council to ensure we have a vibrant and continually developing city centre that meets the changing requirements of visitors and businesses.

“Defending the decision has cost £150,000 which is a lot of money, and it is unfortunate we had to do so, but we hope we can all start to move forward and work together on plans to revitalise our city centre.”

CMK Town Council, which originally objected to the scheme, and intu Milton Keynes have been contacted for comment. More to follow.