Shops and a pub finally to be built for the '˜estate that time forgot'

Planning permission was granted by Milton Keynes Council last week for a local centre at Newton Leys.

It will include shops, a pub, a care home and a day nursery.

The first residents moved onto the estate seven years ago and 800 homes - half of the 
final amount - are currently occupied.

But the only facility for them is a Portacabin-style temporary community 
centre, said Councillor Martin Gowans.

Because he lives on Newton Leys and is standing for election there in May, he was deemed to have a prejudicial interest and banned from 
voting on the local centre 
planning application.

He told the Citizen: “The developers have certainly been very slow in providing facilities for the community. We have waited far too long.”

He added: “I welcome the application, but there are still concerns about traffic issues because it is next to a residential area that is already busy.”