Vale of White Horse District Council has voted to adopt an updated local development order (LDO) for MEPC’s Milton Park development, which will help to fast-track planning approvals at the site.
Under the terms of the LDO, a new 10-day simplified planning regime would unlock up to 4.2m sq ft of much needed life science, technology and employment space at the park.
The updated LDO would also increase floor space for businesses and allow increased building heights in certain parts of Milton Park. However, before it can be adopted MEPC needs to enter into a section 106 agreement with the local authority to provide financial contributions towards improved bus services, new cycle and walking pathways, health care services, and road upgrades where necessary.
Cllr Debby Hallett, cabinet member for corporate services and transformation at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “I’m pleased we are taking this innovative approach to planning in Milton Park to help foster new job opportunities, boost the local economy, cut red tape for preferred development and introduce more measures to help us tackle the climate emergency. I want to thank everyone who had their say in last year’s community consultation for the LDO and I look forward to continue to see our vision for Milton Park come to life.”
Philip Campbell, commercial director at MEPC Milton Park, added: “Simplifying planning is complicated and in my view the Vale of White Horse District Council is a trail blazer for embracing this second generation of 10-day, fast-track planning. I believe the new LDO will be the most comprehensive simplified planning regime anywhere in the UK, setting the benchmark for other local authorities to follow.
“It will play a crucial part in supporting the council’s corporate plan and Milton Park’s 2040 Vision – a framework for guiding the park towards innovation district status, positioning itself as one of the most flexible locations for science and technology companies to establish and grow.
“With recent research from Beauhurst confirming the park’s life science companies have secured an impressive 7.56% of the UK’s total equity investment in the sector over the last decade, the new LDO will allow us to further support this ‘golden age’ of life sciences and technology by delivering industry-grade spaces with the necessary agility.”
