Frequently Asked Questions

About MKP

Q: Which parts of Milton Keynes does Milton Keynes Partnership take planning responsibility for?
Q: What other powers does Milton Keynes Partnership hold?
Q: What is the relationship between The Homes and Communities Agency and Milton Keynes Partnership?

General planning enquiries

Q: How do I extend my property?

Responsibilities post-construction

Q: When does the Council take responsibility for the housing?
Q: Who is responsible for the roads?

Purchasing or renting a home or business premises

Q: How do I buy a home on a new development?
Q: What social housing is available and how do I put my name down?
Q: What proportion of homes is affordable, and how do I register my interest?
Q: I’m interested in renting a shop unit at the local centre. Who do I contact?

Viewing and commenting on planning applications

Q: How do I view a planning application?
Q: I would like to register my support / objection for a planning application. Whom do I contact?
Q: Who is my local ward member and can I make representations through him / her?
Q: Can I attend and / or speak at the Planning Sub-Committee?

Appealing a decision

Q: Is there a right to appeal against the Planning Sub-Committee’s decision?

---

About MKP

Q: Which parts of Milton Keynes does Milton Keynes Partnership take planning responsibility for?
A: Milton Keynes Partnership (MKP) has planning powers for the determination of major applications within defined areas to the north, west and east of the city; see the boundary maps. The planning powers are defined by the Milton Keynes (Urban Area and Planning Functions) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004 No. 932)This link opens in a new window    and relate to developments of 10 or more houses, 1,000 or more square metres of floorspace and development on 1 hectare or more of land. MKP will determine smaller developments which are part of an overall larger development, such as sub-stations.

Applications for household extensions, small commercial and housing developments and change of uses will remain to be determined by Milton Keynes Council. General advice on householder applications can be found on the Council’s websiteThis link opens in a new window    and the Planning PortalThis link opens in a new window   .

Q: What other powers does Milton Keynes Partnership hold?
A: Milton Keynes Partnership has development control powers only; Milton Keynes Council remain the plan-making authority.

Q: What is the relationship between English Partnerships and Milton Keynes Partnership?
A: English Partnerships, now known as The Homes and Communities Agency is the national housing and regeneration agency for England. Milton Keynes Partnership (MKP) was established in 2004 as the delivery vehicle for the growth of Milton Keynes. MKP is a sub-Committee of the Homes and Communities Agency, and its function as local planning authority is completely detached from Homes and Communities Agency as landowner.

General planning enquiries

Q: How do I extend my property?
A: Milton Keynes Council is responsible for the determination of householder planning applications. More information is available on the Council’s websiteThis link opens in a new window   .

Responsibilities post-construction

Q: When does Milton Keynes Council take responsibility for the housing?
A: Where Milton Keynes Partnership is the determining (i.e. decision-making) authority, any further approvals which relate to more minor development, such as extensions and changes of use, will fall to Milton Keynes Council for determination. Household extensions are the specific responsibility of Milton Keynes Council (see above).

Q: Who is responsible for the roads?
A: Milton Keynes Council remains the highway authority and advises Milton Keynes Partnership on all highway matters, with the exception of trunk roads which are the responsibility of the Highway Agency. Street lighting, maintenance and highway drainage are the responsibility of Milton Keynes Council.

Purchasing or renting a home or business premises

Q: How do I buy a home on a new development?
A: Enquires should be made direct to the developer for each development, details of which can be found on the relevant pages in the Projects section.

Q: What social housing is available and how do I put my name down?
A: Milton Keynes Partnership ensures that all new housing developments provide a mix of housing types and tenures. A minimum of 30% of all new homes will be affordable and will include some properties for rent and shared ownership. Milton Keynes Council will work with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to manage allocations. RSL details can be found on the relevant pages in the Projects section.

Q: What proportion of homes is affordable, and how do I register my interest?
A: A minimum of 30% of all new homes will be affordable and will include properties for rent and shared ownership. More information about affordable housing can be found on the Affordable Housing page. Enquiries should be made to Milton Keynes Council.

Q: I’m interested in renting a shop unit at the local centre. Who do I contact?
A: Details which have been submitted with the application are available on the website under the specific planning application; these include the name of the agent who should be able to provide further contact details.

Viewing and commenting on planning applications

Q: How do I view a planning application?
A: Planning Applications can be viewed on line by clicking on the relevant planning application number and description. Alternatively the search function can be used to identify the individual planning application. Hard copies of planning applications are available for inspection at both the Council offices and the offices of MKP. Hard copies are also sent to Parish Councils.

Q: I would like to register my support / objection for a planning application. Whom do I contact?
A: Representations can be made by email or in writing. To comment by email, use the search or browse functions on the Comment page to locate the relevant application number. Click on the number to be taken to a page from which you can comment. Written representations should be sent to: Development Control, Milton Keynes Partnership, Central Business Exchange II, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2EA. Please quote the planning application reference number.

Q: Who is my local ward member and can I make representations through him / her?
A: Milton Keynes Partnership Planning Sub-Committee comprises two Council representativesThis link opens in a new window   . Ward members are able to address the Committee alongside town and parish councillors. Members of the public are also able to address the Committee. Numbers are limited to two speakers in favour of the proposal and two against. Speakers need to register with the Committee secretariat two days prior to the meeting in order to be able to address the meeting.

Q: Can I attend and / or speak at the Planning Sub-Committee?
A: All Planning Sub-Committee meetings are open to the public. Details of times and dates are published in the Diary. Members of the public are able to address the Committee, but need to register with the Committee secretariat two days prior to the meeting. Numbers are limited to two speakers in favour of the proposal and two against; time is limited to three minutes per speaker.

Appealing a decision

Q: Is there a right to appeal against the Planning Sub-Committee’s decision?
A: There is a right of appeal for the applicants to appeal against a refusal of planning permission, but not for third parties and objectors.