Milton Keynes to take control of planning functions from HCA

The proposals also include a transfer of the majority of the HCA's land holdings in the area to the Council. This includes sites for new homes, offices and commercial premises in central Milton Keynes and across the borough, including the Milton Keynes Bowl and Coachway, and hundreds of smaller parcels of land.

The proposals follow a request by Milton Keynes Council to take greater strategic control of housing growth and delivery in its area. Currently the HCA is responsible for considering certain types of planning applications for specific areas in the borough.

"For years, development control of Milton Keynes has been split between the locally elected council and a Government agency. Today's proposals would shift power back to where it belongs - with the people who live in the area," said Housing Minister Mark Prisk. "I look forward to hearing how Milton Keynes Council plans to work with local people to decide the future development of their town to secure its future for years to come."

"The Homes and Communities Agency has been working closely with colleagues at the Department for Communities and Local Government and Milton Keynes Council for many months to facilitate this transfer which has now taken a significant step forward," said HCA chief executive Pat Richards. "It is a great example of central and local government working together to help achieve and deliver local ambition. We will continue to work together to finalise the process which will enable Milton Keynes Council to fulfil their plans for growth and continue the excellent development work that has been carried out here."

"The 'localisation' of the Homes and Communities Agency's roles and responsibilities in Milton Keynes and the transfer of its residual land assets to Milton Keynes Council will - for the first time in Milton Keynes' history - mean that all the key mechanisms for shaping the way in which the city develops are in the hands of locally elected representatives," said Milton Keynes chief executive David Hill. "That should give confidence to local residents that plans for future growth will be responsive to their views and aspirations. The transfer package has been supported by all the political groups on the council."

Milton Keynes has been subject to central Government involvement since it was designated a new town in 1967. The consultation on the proposals will run until 29 October and an Order revoking the HCA's planning powers in the area will then be laid before Parliament. It is expected that the proposed transfer of powers will take place in December this year.