Apartment schemes set for approval

Hundreds of new apartments and homes could be constructed in Milton Keynes after applications for two schemes were recommended for approval by council planners.The largest of the two projects – put forward by Abbeygate Developments – has earmarked land at Avebury Boulevard and Secklow Gate for new homes. The site was previously a garden centre.An application set to go before the Milton Keynes Development Control Committee tomorrow (7 March 2019) proposes the construction of two L-shaped buildings at the plot providing 328 apartments.The private rented sector (PRS) would comprise a mix of 197 one-bed flats and 131 two-bed homes.The scheme also includes flexible ground floor commercial space spanning 12,700 sq ft.As part of a section 106, the developer would contribute more than £200,000 towards community facilities, £108,375 for public art, £147,506 for education, £44,000 for carbon offset and £181,950 for public transport. There would also be an affordable housing contribution of £800,000.Other plans set to go before the committee include a reserved matters application for a residential scheme on land north and west of Wavendon Business Park.The project, by Abbey Development, comprises 134 units and retail space for a convenience store with access from Ortensia Drive.The homes would be a mix of flats and houses and the site is bounded by land which has been approved for residential use.Proposals by SiteplanUK for 200 homes on land to the east of Eastfield Drive in Hanslope will also go before officers with a recommendation for refusal.