The Conservative Government are proposing big changes to the Planning System – and we think they will damage Milton Keynes. The changes include:

• Most local planning policies will go. Government policies will apply. This is a real threat to MK’s unique design.
• Money for infrastructure will be set nationally irrespective of local needs.
• Housing targets and affordable housing will be calculated by the Government. MK’s level is likely to drop – more people homeless
• Planning committees will largely be abolished. Residents and councillors will have no opportunity to object to most planning applications.

If you object to this please respond to the “Planning for the Future” consultation, and also complain to your MP at www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord

In the meantime, they have brought in changes allowing people to build an extra storey onto their home, office or shop, among several other things, without planning permission – so no objections allowed!

Leo and Vanessa reported several pavements blocked by trees after storms. Please let us know if there are any more.

The all-wheelie bin trial will start at the end of October in parts of Monkston (Lilleshall Ave area) and Monkston Park (including the Goldhawk Road area). “Residents affected will receive letters and bins soon. There are special bags to use if you are in a block of flats with Euro bins” said Vanessa McPake. There will also be a consultation about it for ALL residents.

Did you know that if you put the wrong thing in a clear recycling sack, the whole lorry load may be rejected? And it costs MK Council taxpayers a million pounds a year! The most common things that shouldn’t go in clear sacks are:

• Food – in your green bin please
• Glass – blue boxes
• Electrical items, textiles, household goods – black sacks
• Nappies, baby wipes etc – black sacks
• Face coverings and PPE – black sacks
• Wet paper or card – black sacks

And if you use Eurobins, don’t put your black sacks in the recycling bin please!

If you’re not happy about the precautions being taken, or you’re under pressure to break the rules, or to tolerate others doing so, please report it to the Council on [email protected]

As we go into lockdown again, we won’t be able to deliver Focus but the Focus team will continue to update you via email. If you want to receive these emails, please send us your email address.

The numbers of cases are rising again – and Milton Keynes is no exception. We have around 4 times the new cases that we had in July and nation ally it is doubling every week. So please obey the new rules carefully. Remember, as a rough guide, if you’re with someone from outside your home or bubble and can both reach out and touch hands, you probably need a face covering. If you can touch the other person’s body, you’re too close even with a face covering!