Issue - meetings

This report provides a short summary of the MK Strategy for 2050, highlighting the key points of relevance for Buckinghamshire.

RESOLVED:

That the Shadow Executive submits a response to the Milton Keynes Strategy 2050 on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council as set out in Appendix 1.

M Tett and A Macpherson introduced the report that summarised the MK Strategy for 2050 that had been unanimously agreed by Milton Keynes Council and highlighted the negative impacts it would have on Buckinghamshire.  The Strategy was not welcomed by councillors across the county and the poor timing of the consultation, as most of this would be during Purdah.

Members of the Shadow Executive raised the following points in discussion:

• The draft response from the Shadow Executive was attached to the report.  It was agreed that individual letters would be sent from each of the existing 4 district councils.
• It was the shared view across all existing Buckinghamshire councils that the strategy saw MK Council housing growth spread over its own borders and into Buckinghamshire where there was already a high demand for housing. 

• It was highlighted that not all MK councillors had voted in favour of the strategy.
• It was unacceptable that a local authority should spread outside of its own borders.
• The local members for Winslow highlighted that residents in that area were also opposed to the strategy.
• It was agreed that the wording of the response would be tightened up for greater impact.
• Town and parish councils would also be responding.
• Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes MPs would be copied into the letter.

RESOLVED:

That the Shadow Executive submits a response to the Milton Keynes Strategy 2050 on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council as set out in Appendix 1.