News

Turley secures planning for largest BTR in Milton Keynes

Acting on behalf of Build-to-Rent developer, investor and operator PLATFORM_, Turley has secured planning permission to deliver 355 Build-to-Rent apartments in Milton Keynes city centre.

We provided expert Planning and Economics services for the development, which is situated just a five-minute walk from Milton Keynes Central station, on the central spine road of Midsummer Boulevard.

The scheme will reach up to 20-storeys and will provide a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments aimed at local families, those working in Milton Keynes or commuting to nearby towns and cities.

Over 8,000 sq ft of amenity space, 7,500 sq ft of landscaped terraces, and a flexible 2,600 sq ft commercial offering will be available to residents, and will include a dedicated co-working hub, residents’ lounge, games room, cinema room, gym, bar and private dining room, onsite resident services team, a loyalty scheme in partnership with local businesses, three outdoor terraces including a dedicated pet zone, a child-friendly play area and a landscaped garden on the first floor.

Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO, PLATFORM_commented:

“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.”

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. Residents will also benefit from multiple electric vehicle car charging points, car club parking spaces, and over 500 cycle spaces, encouraging people to reduce individual car ownership.

The energy-conscious and sustainable design of PLATFORM_ in Milton Keynes 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.

An abundance of local amenities are nearby the development, including The Hub MK, Centre:MK and Campbell Park, aligning with the 20-minute neighbourhood model. The planning approval 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.

Matt Willcock, Development Director, 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.”

Milton Keynes is positioned at the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc with high tech businesses contributing 18% of all employment growth. PLATFORM_ in Milton Keynes also has strong biodiversity credentials, with a biodiversity net gain of 72% – over seven times the current legislative benchmark of 10%. 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.

22 July 2024