1.  INTRODUCTION

  This statement was agreed by the Milton Keynes Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) at its meeting on 2 October 2002 as the basis for a local debate and discussions with the government, following which a more detailed statement will be prepared and agreed by the LSP on 26 November 2002.

2.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  The Milton Keynes LSP accepts that the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Region has an important contribution to make in meeting demand for new housing. However, it is concerned that growth in the numbers of houses should be matched by complementary infrastructure and community facilities that will ensure the development of sustainable and well-balanced communities.

  A shared long-term view of the area is needed. We wish to engage in a discussion about the issues and solutions of tomorrow and not just address today's challenges. The growth envisaged for the area will see Milton Keynes become a nationally significant urban centre and development should reflect this. Consideration should be given to how the regional, national and international profile of Milton Keynes could be recognised and enhanced. This might include a major conference venue and cultural/arts facilities.

  The relationship of Milton Keynes to other urban areas within its hinterland will need to be carefully considered.

  Underpinning the approach must be a commitment to communicate and engage effectively with all partners and stakeholders. Partnership is not an option, it is a pre-requisite for success.

3.  SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Strategic infrastructure

  Highly developed strategic transport links within the sub-region, including increasing the capacity of key roads, motorway junctions and construction of the east-west rail link.

  Compact and efficient urban centres in good relation to the rural hinterland and along effective transport corridors.

Local infrastructure

  Appropriate local physical infrastructure introduced alongside new housing development to support the growing population, including utilities, sewers, roads, cycle-ways and local shops.

  Suitable technological infrastructure that anticipates developments in technology over the next 30 years.

Environmentally responsible development

  Building upon the "green credentials" of Milton Keynes, securing development that is energy efficient and environmentally responsible.

Housing

  An adequate supply of well-integrated, broadly priced housing that will include affordable housing for those in housing need and key worker housing. Mechanisms will be needed to ensure the supply of affordable housing is sustained over time.

Public transport

  A public transport system that provides a realistic alternative to the car and is accessible to all. Sustainable sources of funding for such a system.

Employment

  Robust mechanisms in place to attract inward investment and to aid the growth of local employers and the employment base. Enabling more people to work closer to home.

Public and community services

  Key services growing in parallel with the population and the economy, including primary care health provision, hospital facilities, social care and other local authority services (eg. schools, libraries, residential and other facilities for older people) police and criminal justice system, further and higher education—a university for Milton Keynes.

  Facilities to accommodate the increased administrative needs of public services and the voluntary sector.

  Community development services and mechanisms, including multi-purpose community facilities and support services for new families.

Regeneration

  Attention and resources, including regeneration activity, to address areas in need following previous development.

The public realm

  Retaining the green and spacious character of Milton Keynes that attracts business and people to move here.

  Maintaining the character of the rural hinterland.

  Adequate mechanisms to secure the long-term management and maintenance of the public realm and the community assets which will be created as part of growth.

Resources

  Adequate resources for all public services will be required, in line with growth. This should include funding formulae that reflect current, not out of date, population levels and that cover the additional costs incurred in developing services for new residents and supporting the development of new communities. These resources should be targeted to Milton Keynes.

  There should be certainty of resource for these requirements. This will include the revenue costs to support new infrastructure. Resources should be available in advance or in parallel with housing development. They should not lag behind.

Implementation vehicle

  Suitable local, sub-regional and inter-regional institutions that will enable the participation of the public and key stakeholders in the development process.

  A local "implementation vehicle" that balances strong leadership with democratic accountability to the people of Milton Keynes.