Developer wins appeal to build 33-storey block

A developer has secured planning permission for a 33-storey tower block in a city despite the plans being initially rejected by a council.

Milton Keynes Council refused the application in December 2023 and said there was not enough parking for the 302 new homes the block would create in the city centre.

Developer Galliford Try argued there was public transport provision nearby and storage for bikes and lodged an appeal against the decision in May 2024.

Planning inspector David Nicholson said that other high-rise buildings had been approved and he could see no reason why this one should not.

Milton Keynes Council previously expressed concerned the proposal was a residential development in an office-led business area.

Mr Nicholson said the central business district in Milton Keynes was built in a modernist style and the proposed tower block would be stylistically in tune with earlier buildings.

An existing two-storey building, Jaipur and Orchard Lounge, will be demolished as part of the redevelopment.

The development will feature a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, alongside ground-floor commercial spaces, including a café and access to Grafton Park.

Shared amenities will be inside the building such as a fitness studio, games room, lounge, workspaces and private dining area.

There will also be an orangery, a rooftop terrace and a second terrace on the 10th floor.

Galliford Try said it would now work to obtain a gateway two approval from the Building Safety Regulator before starting works on site.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.