UK: BTR developer, investor and operator PLATFORM_ has secured planning permission for 355 BTR apartments in Milton Keynes city centre.
Located on the central spine road of Midsummer Boulevard, the scheme will provide 355 homes, more than 8,000 square feet of resident amenities, 7,500 square feet of landscaped terraces and a flexible 2,600 square feet commercial offering. There will be a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
The planning consent includes an agreement for PLATFORM_ to make contributions to the council of £5.7 million, including an affordable housing contribution of £3.9 million to support Milton Keynes City Council’s delivery of its affordable housing targets.
The design will combine renewable energy sources, smart in-home technologies and energy efficient heating and lighting systems, to create a low carbon development with all apartments being EPC B or better. This includes the use of air source heat pumps, sustainable urban drainage and solar panels across the development.
Residents will also benefit from multiple electric vehicle car charging points and car club parking spaces, encouraging people to reduce individual car ownership. More than 500 cycle spaces will be available to help residents prioritise active travel solutions.
PLATFORM_ in Milton Keynes also has strong biodiversity credentials, with a biodiversity net gain of 72 per cent – more than seven times the current legislative benchmark of 10 per cent. This is helped by the inclusion of swift bricks and bird and bat boxes across the development, which have been woven into the design following feedback from the local community.
An economic impact assessment undertaken by Turley on behalf of PLATFORM_ highlights that 190 jobs and £61.2 million GVA will be created during the construction phase and £1.2 million GVA in operation, of which £800,000 will be in Milton Keynes.
The development will reach up to 20 storeys and feature amenities including a dedicated coworking hub, residents’ lounge, games room, cinema room, gym, bar and private dining room. Residents will also benefit from an on-site resident services team and a loyalty scheme in partnership with local businesses.
There will be three outdoor terraces including a dedicated pet zone, child-friendly play area and landscaped garden on the first floor. Terraces on the 14th and 17th floors provide panoramic views across the city and facilities for an outdoor exercise area and space for entertaining friends and family.
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “Milton Keynes is at the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and is fast becoming a leading centre and focus of innovation in the UK. We are incredibly pleased to bring our innovative residential model to the city centre, just a five-minute walk from the train station, with a development that prioritises sustainability, wellbeing and resident experience. Importantly, PLATFORM_ will contribute to bridging the gap between supply and demand of high-quality homes in the city centre of Milton Keynes while setting new design, service and quality standards. The unrivalled flexibility coupled with the range of social amenities will be attractive to a wide range of residents.”
Matt Willcock, Development Director at PLATFORM_, added: “Throughout the planning process, we have engaged collaboratively with Milton Keynes City Council officers to ensure that our development matches their vision, reflecting Milton Keynes’ new city status, as well as fostering relationships with local businesses and the wider community as we underline our long-term economic and social investment in the city.”
