92 dwellinghouses at Buckingham House, Bletchley, Milton Keynes

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing buildings and building 92 homes with access changes, parking, landscaping, open space, pedestrian and cycle links, and storage facilities.

“Proposal: The demolition of existing buildings and the erection of 92 dwellinghouses, alterations to the existing vehicular access, car parking, open space including new landscaping, new pedestrian and cycle links, refuse and cycle stores at Buckingham House, Buckingham Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 5LD”

“It is proposed to demolish the existing office building and to construct 92 residential dwellings with associated car parking, landscaping and pedestrian and cycle links through the site. The proposed accommodation can be summarised as:”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contained a vacant office and car park within an employment area, beside Buckingham Road, Water Eaton Road and Eight Belles Park.

“The site currently houses the vacant Santander office building and associated car parking located within an existing employment area, as per the Policy Map of Plan:MK. The site is located adjacent to Buckingham Road in west Bletchley, with the adopted highway forming the boundary of the site to the north and Water Eaton Road bordering the site to the east. To the west and south is Eight Belles Park.”

“The site is located within Flood Zone 1 and therefore at low risk of flooding from rivers. However, parts of the site fall within an area of medium risk for surface water flooding and areas of Buckingham Road are at a high risk. The site is located within a red risk zone for great crested newts (GCN). The site is bounded by extensive tree coverage to the north, west and south west of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier advice considered schemes for 86, 89 and up to 92 homes, while one conversion application was withdrawn and another for 35 apartments was granted.

“The applicant entered into a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) which co-ordinated and supported the above pre-application advice. These meetings and advice raised the principle concerns and outlined the level of information required for the formal application, alongside alterations to the design and layout of the scheme with a minor increase in dwellings.”

“PLN/2025/2595 Prior approval for conversion of vacant commercial property to 43 apartments comprising 22 2-bed apartments and 21 1-bed apartments Withdrawn 17/01/2025”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers accepted conflicts involving employment land, affordable housing and parking because brownfield housing, economic and social benefits outweighed them and impacts could be controlled.

“PLN/2025/0702 area and does not result in an improvement to the environment comparative to the lawful use with lacking information relating to other local employment opportunities. The development therefore conflicts with Policy E3 of the WBNP and policy ER2 of Plan:MK. Whilst the redevelopment aligns with the principal use proposed within the CBPA and aligns with policy SD16, it is acknowledged that the WBNP takes precedent in respect of protection of employment land.”

“However, paragraphs 124 and 125(c) of the NPPF give substantial weight to the redevelopment of brownfield land and effective use of land for homes. In addition, the economic benefits arising from the development during the construction period and supporting future economic growth within the local area and the significant weight afforded to the provision of new housing attract significant weight.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the application, and Councillor Nigel Long’s supportive statement was read to the committee.

Members’ discussion

Members supported sustainable housing near the station but discussed vacant building credit, parking shortfalls, possible displacement, contributions, maintenance and replacement trees.

“Members asked for clarification on Vacant Building Credit. Officers explained it was used to offset matters such as affordable housing when redeveloping vacant brownfield sites. A Member queried current car park use; officers confirmed it was private storage whilst the building was not in use, and did not factor into the application.”

“The Chair, seconded by Councillor Exon proposed the recommendation for debate for Item 6b – PLN/2025/0702 which is that: Subject to the completion of a s106 agreement securing the obligations and terms set out in this report, permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the main report. 2.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee carried the motion to approve the officer recommendation.

“Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to completing a section 106 agreement and complying with the stated conditions, with delegated authority to extend the agreement period or refuse permission if necessary.

“That subject to the completion of a s106 agreement securing the obligations and terms set out in this report, permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the main report. In the event that the s106 agreement is not completed within 28 days following the Committee’s resolution, the Head of Planning be delegated authority to extend the period for completion of the s106 agreement, or, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chairs, refuse permission…”

Minutes