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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently asked questions

We want to make sure you develop a good understanding of this process and how it impacts you, so we have put together this list of common questions in the hope that it will provide greater clarity and understanding.

What is a Local Plan/City Plan?

A Local Plan (or City Plan) is a document prepared by a local planning authority (in this case Milton Keynes City Council), in consultation with its community to provide strategic vision and guidance for the future development of an area. This is to address the present and future needs and opportunities regarding housing, jobs, retail, waste, and infrastructure in an area, whilst conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment.

Once in place, Local Plans become part of the statutory development plan. The statutory development plan for an area is the starting point for determining local planning applications.

Why are we making a New City Plan?

We are legally required to review and update our Local Plan. This helps to create stability and certainty for the local community. It also enables the effective planning of future infrastructure delivery.

We have seven key strategic goals that we want to achieve by 2050. A new city plan will help us to work towards these goals, along with other local priorities.

What area will the New City Plan Cover?

The New City Plan covers the administrative boundary of Milton Keynes. Despite the document being called a 'city' plan, this incorporates the rural areas of Milton Keynes.

What does the process of creating a plan creating a Local Plan involve?

There are a number of steps to the plan making process. The diagram below outlines this process:

Plan-making process infographic

Why are we consulting the public in this process?

Consultation about emerging plans is an essential part of the process. We want to ensure that the development and growth planned for Milton Keynes reflect the needs within the city.

I have already provided feedback during the Ambitions and Objectives Consultation, why should I engage again?

Engagement at every stage of the process is crucial to ensure the resulting plan has been shaped by the local population.

Will there be other opportunities to get involved in future planning consultations?

Yes. Currently, we are carrying out informal stages of engagement until February 2024. Formal engagement is due to start in the Summer of 2024, and there will be an opportunity to get involved then.

There are specific topics I feel aren't covered in this consultation and the documents made available so far. Will these be covered at a later date?

At this early stage of engagement, the topics covered won't be as extensive as they will be during the formal stages of consultation. In Summer 2024, we will carry out the Regulation 18 engagement, which will present a draft version of the New City Plan. This will cover a broader range of topics and issues.

What else informs the New City Plan?

The New City Plan is informed by:

National planning and infrastructure policy
Duty to cooperate (which is a requirement to engage with organisations including our neighbouring authorities)
Technical evidence-based studies
Council strategy
Feedback from the local community and others.

When will the plan be implemented?

The New City Plan is scheduled to be submitted in Summer 2025. After this, it will undergo external examination by the Planning Inspector. Once the plan has been approved, it will be adopted. The timescale for this process can vary, therefore we estimate implementation will take place in 2026/27.

What is the relationship between the New City Plan and Neighbourhood Plans?

Local plans provide the strategic policy framework which informs the scope and direction of Neighbourhood Plans. Neighbourhood plans should therefore be aligned to the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area but take precedence over non-strategic local plan policies.

Has land already been allocated for development in this plan?

No decisions have yet been taken about which sites are to be allocated. We are currently undertaking a Land Availability Assessment. We have invited developers and landowners to put land forward to us for consideration. We then assess all sites put forward against several parameters to ensure the land is fit to be built upon. After this the appropriate sites will be allocated in the New City Plan, informed by consultation responses.