This week, the Milton Keynes Council held several meetings, with key decisions made on planning applications, biodiversity plans, and health and care integration. Here are the details:

Delegated Decisions - Tuesday 25 June 2024

Planning Application for Land West of Oakhill, Newport Pagnell

The council considered an application from Taylor Wimpey for the development of land to the west of Oakhill, Newport Pagnell. The proposal included up to 140 new homes and a new access from Oakhill. Despite the developer's argument that the project would contribute significantly to the council's five-year housing land supply¹, the application was refused.

Councillor Mick Legg expressed concerns about the impact on the character of the area and the Green Belt², stating:

I am very concerned about the impact this development would have on the character of the area...the site is located in a very sensitive location, on the edge of the village and within the Green Belt. The development would represent a significant intrusion into the countryside and would have a detrimental impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

The application was ultimately refused by a vote of 13 to 3, with 1 abstention.

Planning Application for Land South of Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell

The council approved a planning application for the change of use of land south of Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, to provide 10 additional car parking spaces for the adjacent Budgens supermarket. The case officer recommended approval, noting:

The proposal is considered to accord with the relevant policies of the development plan when considered against the National Planning Policy Framework...the proposal is not considered to have a significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, highway safety, residential amenity, biodiversity, flood risk or any other interests of acknowledged importance.

Biodiversity and the MK City Plan 2050

The council discussed the MK City Plan 2050, which sets out planning policies for Milton Keynes up to 2050. Councillor Jenny Wilson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Sustainability, introduced the plan, highlighting an ambition to make Milton Keynes a net zero carbon city by 2050 and an expectation for new developments to deliver a 10% net gain in biodiversity³. The council agreed to consult on these proposals.

Wolverton Cemetery Extension

Councillor Peter Marland, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, presented a report on the proposed extension to Wolverton Cemetery, noting the need for additional burial space. The council noted the progress and agreed on the next steps.

Health & Care Partnership - Wednesday 26 June 2024

Integrated Care Board (ICB) Update

The Partnership received an update from the BLMK Integrated Care Board on recent activities, including positive discussions between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Government. The ICB also reported that Kathy Nelson, head of the Cancer Network for BLMK, had won an award. The full report is available here.

Better Care Fund 2024-25

The Partnership discussed the Better Care Fund³ for 2024-25. Councillor J Carr reported that the target for “discharge to a normal place of residence” was behind schedule but assured that efforts were being made to meet the target by year-end.

Moving to a More Dynamic JSNA

The Partnership noted the successful implementation of the new dynamic Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)¹. The Partnership resolved to investigate providing access to the data underlying the JSNA.

Carnall Farrar Review of Health and Care Integration

The Partnership discussed the Carnall Farrar Review's recommendations and agreed to hold a workshop in early 2024 to discuss long-term plans for the MK Deal⁴ priorities. They also resolved to ask the ICB to create a framework for devolving resources and decision-making.

Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnership Report

The Partnership received a report on the Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnership's work and agreed that future reports would be presented to the Health and Care Partnership.

Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 26 June 2024

The meeting took place, but no transcript or video was provided.

Health, Housing & Adults Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 27 June 2024

The meeting took place, but no transcript or video was provided.