2050 Growth Study for Milton Keynes
January 21, 2020
Heather Pugh
4215 Views
This week sees the publication of DLA’s MK2050 Milton Keynes Strategic Growth Study, undertaken as background evidence for Milton Keynes Council’s Strategy for 2050, out for public engagement until April 2020.
Back in 2017, as preparation for the new city of Milton Keynes reaching its half century, the Milton Keynes Futures 2050 Commission produced a series of reports entitled Milton Keynes: Making a Great City Greater, in order to re-ignite bold ambitions for the future of the city.
Our Growth Study takes forward the growth ambitions expressed through both the Futures work and the Council Plan 2016-22 – the latter of which anticipates continued growth of Milton Keynes to a population of 500,000 people by 2050 – to analyse how this level and type of growth might manifest itself spatially and over time.
The Brief for the Study was to determine what scale and pace of population and economic growth might be possible and desirable within the Milton Keynes area to around the year 2050, and to establish the likely capacity within the existing city to accommodate additional growth. In addition, the Study has examined how future growth beyond the designated area of the New Town – including cross boundary growth – might achieve sustainable patterns of mobility and development and deliver real and sustained benefits back to the existing population of Milton Keynes.
Heather Pugh, Planning Partner commented that “Long term spatial planning based on ‘good geography’ which secures benefits for infrastructure and the environment as well as local communities is something we strongly believe in. As a practice residing in the heart of Milton Keynes, being asked to prepare a Growth Study which we hope will help shape the future of our ‘home patch’ was a privilege. The Council have taken a bold and innovative approach to unlock conversations about planning for long term growth, specifically designed to engage those sectors of the population who find it harder to have a voice about planning issues but whose lives are often impacted by a failure to plan”.
The Growth Study can be found at: https://www.mkfutures2050.com/evidence-for-the-strategy-for-2050
For further information, contact Heather Pugh, Partner. T:01908 666276

Heather Pugh
Partner
RELATED NEWS
Great Leighs, Chelmsford City Council, Essex – Strategic Growth Site
March 15, 2023
Masterplan Framework document to deliver around 950 new homes, 250 specialist elderly dwellings, together with a neighbourhood centre, site for a primary school and a Travelling Show-persons site, all set within a mature landscape setting adjacent to and integrated with the existing village.
Proposed Reforms to the NPPF, Summary Response
March 7, 2023
In December 2022, the UK Government released a consultation document proposing changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). You can read our summary response to this consultation here.
Project Skyway
February 21, 2023
David Lock on why we need to talk about a proposed long-distance network of drone based delivery ‘superhighways.’
Promotion at David Lock Associates
February 9, 2023
DLA is pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Benstead to the role of Planner. This recognition is a result of Emily achieving Chartered Member status with the RTPI and her noteworthy work as an Assistant Planner.
Houlton School wins RTPI Award for Planning Excellence
December 5, 2022
Houlton School wins the RTPI Award for Planning Excellence for ‘Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture’
DLA Working With STFC
October 27, 2022
David Lock Associates is delighted to be working with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (part of UK Research and Innovation) on a series of exciting development plans, which are helping to facilitate world-leading research.
Build Your Career at DLA
October 24, 2022
We are looking for enthusiastic, bright and committed graduate planners to join our leading spatial planning practice next summer.
New Recruits and Promotions at DLA
October 18, 2022
David Lock Associates is delighted to announce several new appointments following a recent recruitment drive, and promotions from earlier this year.
Speedy Approval for Prospero Ansty Business Park
October 3, 2022
David Lock Associates recently secured full planning permission for three flexible B2/B8 units at Prospero Ansty Business Park in Rugby Borough, which would deliver a combined floorspace of over 50,000 sq.m.