Milton Keynes council rejects landscaping plans for 355-home scheme

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Milton Keynes council has rejected landscaping proposals for a 355-home Bank House redevelopment on Midsummer Boulevard.

Milton Keynes City Council rejected landscaping proposals for the Bank House redevelopment in central Milton Keynes on 22 October. The site at 171 Midsummer Boulevard already has planning permission for up to 355 homes and business space in a building of up to 20 storeys, but the permission requires landscaping details to be approved before building work proceeds above slab level.

The council cited shortcomings in replacement tree planting, identification of retained trees and their root protection areas, planting specifications and paving details. The rejected plans included six new trees at street level: three hornbeams and three wild cherries, between 4.5 and five metres tall when planted, with shrubs and other plants proposed around the building. A separate plan marked a group of existing alders for removal.

Elizabeth Woodhouse, who objected to the proposals, said more existing street trees should be kept or additional replacements planted. She questioned whether the proposed trees were suitable for their surroundings, saying the wild cherries would spread too widely so close to the building and the hornbeams should be a narrower, upright variety. The rejection does not cancel permission for the homes or confirm whether building work has stopped or the project will be delayed.

How it is being reported

• Plans for more than 350 homes in Milton Keynes hit setback after tree proposals rejectedPlans for up to 355 homes in Central Milton Keynes have hit a setback after the council rejected proposals for trees, planting and paving.MK Citizen · 23 Oct, 12:51
• Milton Keynes council rejects landscaping plans for 355-home Bank House redevelopmentPlans for up to 355 homes in central Milton Keynes have hit a setback after the council rejected proposals for trees, planting and paving.Bucks Free Press · 23 Oct, 12:26

In this story: Milton Keynes City Council · Milton Keynes · Midsummer Boulevard · Elizabeth Woodhouse

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