Milton Keynes City Council has outlined plans to create up to 600 additional council homes by 2035, seeking support from the Government’s £39bn, 10-year Social and Affordable Homes Programme.
The ambition includes building up to 570 new council homes and buying around 30 more. The council says the additional housing would help reduce the number of local families at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation.
The proposals remain subject to planning, funding and future approvals. No specific Government funding award for Milton Keynes has been announced in the information provided.
Council-owned sites identified
The council has a pipeline of sites that could be developed by 2035, including Mellish Court, the outdated REEMA blocks in Bletchley, and The Gables in Wolverton.
The former tower blocks at Mellish Court and The Gables were demolished in 2023, preparing the sites for future development.
By setting out its ambitions to Government, the council is highlighting what it could deliver with additional financial backing and support to overcome barriers such as borrowing costs.
Building on recent housing projects
Milton Keynes City Council is already the city’s largest landlord, with more than 11,000 properties.
Its recent housing delivery includes 183 council homes built as part of wider regeneration work at The Lakes Estate in Bletchley, alongside the purchase of 21 new flats in Fairfields.
Construction has also begun on 66 homes in Netherfield, adding to the council’s programme of investment in affordable housing.
“Everyone deserves a safe home”
Cllr Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said:
“Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable home. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in council housing and planning for the future.
“Our ambition is to create up to 600 council homes by 2035.”
She said the council’s existing experience puts it in a strong position to deliver more homes:
“Milton Keynes has already demonstrated that it can deliver high-quality new council homes. We have sites, we have experience and we have a strong team in place.
“What we have set out to Government is what more could be achieved if councils are given the financial tools to build at greater pace and scale, helping them to overcome barriers such as borrowing costs.”
Cllr Townsend added:
“We are ready to do even more to provide genuinely affordable homes, reduce pressure on temporary accommodation and help meet the needs of local families.”
£80m investment in existing homes
Alongside its ambition to increase the supply of council housing, the council plans to invest £80m in its existing homes between now and 2030.
The investment will continue improvement work and increase energy efficiency, helping to lower fuel bills for tenants.
Together, the proposed additional homes and investment in existing properties set out the council’s plans to expand affordable housing provision while improving homes for current residents.
