Councillors have agreed to adopt a new Local Development Order (LDO) for Milton Park to simplify and fast track its planning process.
Vale of White Horse District Council’s updating of the LDO, which is subject to a legal agreement being finalised, will help the Oxfordshire park bring forward new schemes quickly.
The updated LDO will mean developments are designed in a way that reduces their carbon footprint and incorporates low or zero carbon energy technology where possible.
Milton Park has plans for new schemes such as laboratories, offices, shops, cafés and a nursery. It will also allow increased building heights.
Cllr Debby Hallett, cabinet member for corporate services and transformation, said: “I’m pleased we are taking this innovative approach to planning in Milton Park to help foster new job opportunities, boost the local economy, cut red tape for preferred development and introduce more measures to help us tackle the climate emergency.
“I want to thank everyone who had their say in last year’s community consultation for the LDO and I look forward to continue to see our vision for Milton Park come to life.”
Philip Campbell, commercial director at MEPC Milton Park (pictured second from right), said: “Simplifying planning is complicated and, in my view, the Vale of White Horse District Council is a trailblazer for embracing this second generation of ten-day, fast-track planning.
“I believe the new LDO will be the most comprehensive simplified planning regime anywhere in the UK, setting the benchmark for other local authorities to follow.
“It will play a crucial part in supporting the council’s Corporate Plan and Milton Park’s 2040 Vision – a framework for guiding the park towards innovation district status, positioning itself as one of the most flexible locations for science and technology companies to establish and grow.”
Image: Members of the Milton Park LDO team.
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