BPARA has met with the developer on two occasions and welcomes the redevelopment of this former brown field site for residential purposes. The proposal is for 92 properties, comprising 52 x 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses with good size gardens and 2 blocks of low-rise apartments (total 40) as you enter the site. There is plenty of green space and the site borders Eight Belles Park. BPARA had no objection to the proposal as it is a welcome change from the run of high-rise blocks of flats that have been recently built.
Our comments to MKCC Planning:
BPARA is grateful to the developers for meeting us on two occasions to share their plans for this site and to obtain our input. We welcome the proposed development for the following reasons:
- This brown field site has been unoccupied for too long and has been targeted by vandals, even used as a cannabis factory for a while.
- Due to its proximity to Bletchley Station, Bletchley Park and the South-Central Institute of Technology, the proposed development is in a prime location and will be an enhancement to the area.
- The proposed development is a welcome change to the endless development of high density 1- and 2-bedroom apartments that has recently taken place or will be taking place in the near future.
- There is a local shortage of the variety of properties, with reasonable sized gardens and green space with trees and shrubs and proximity, that will be offered. Proximity to Eight Bells Park ensures that there is somewhere for residents and children to spend time.
- To prevent ASB, the developer has arranged for a car storage company, with appropriate security measures in place, to use the site until any development commences.
However:
- BPARA feels that there should be more than one raised bridge on the road throughout the development to prevent traffic speeding throughout a built-up area.
- Measures taken to ensure that vehicles do not venture on to the green spaces or park on footpaths.
- The Transport Assessment refers to “The layout of the scheme allows for excellent passive surveillance of all parking and communal areas.” How will this be achieved?
Parking
Parking is the only area with which we have concerns:
- We have already flagged with the developer that the site will attract commuters to park their vehicles to avoid parking fees at the rail station – there must be a robust process to prevent this.
- We were not aware that the proposed parking provision of 123 parking spaces would be below the MKCC Parking Standards with parking restrictions on internal roads within the site to prevent inappropriate overspill parking by residents. Reduction in parking provision and proximity to public transport does not encourage reduction in car ownership/use. However, there is a newly opened car park in Water Eaton Road, just across the road from the proposed development – the developer could explore the option for overspill parking being negotiated for residents and/or their visitors.
