Liberal Democrats Plan for More Leisure Facilities as the City Grows

10.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Sep 2004

Milton Keynes Council's Liberal Democrat Cabinet has agreed a draft document which recommends that the Council should negotiate planning obligations from potential developers in both the built-up area of the City and the new expansion areas.

The document has been issued for a six-week period of public consultation from Monday 20 September to Monday 1 November to enable members of the public and other interested parties to comment on its contents.

The document is entitled "Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Planning Obligations for Leisure, Recreation and Sports Facilities". It is available for the public to inspect at the Civic Offices and at all MK libraries. A copy is also available on-line at www.mkweb.co.uk/local_plan_review/ or free from the Council's Planning Department.

Developers building ten or more houses in the City will be asked for a financial contribution towards recreation and sports facilities.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Douglas McCall, Cabinet member responsible for the Environment and Strategic Planning, said: "This will help us to ensure that existing levels of leisure and recreation facilities are maintained and enhanced. I would urge all residents to have their say on this draft document, which will shape the future provision of these facilities in Milton Keynes."

Liberal Democrats are committed to the provision of parks and open spaces, allotments, sports halls and other recreational facilities, which are important to present and future residents of Milton Keynes. With the City expected to continue to grow for the next 30 years, we do not want any reduction in the standards to which leisure facilities have been provided in the last 30 years.

We urge residents to give us their views!