Proposals for 593 new homes, of which 306 will be new council houses, will get the approval of Milton Keynes Council’s Cabinet on Monday 13th January. 

In November 2018, 93% of the residents of Serpentine Court backed renewal of the area. Since then residents have been working closely with the Council to refine the proposals for renewal. 

After months of detailed work and effective resident engagement the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, Cllr Nigel Long, will set out the detailed proposals that will see a £128 million investment in the Lakes Estate. The proposals reflecting resident choices include:

• 306 council houses, an increase on original proposals
• 287 homes for sale reflecting the commitment to promote choice  
• A extra care scheme for 70 frail elderly residents
• Two new playgrounds
• Enhanced estate landscaping
• Additional car parking
• Create secure parking areas for vans
• Improved roads and traffic calming    
• Individual courts of homes to make decisions about local improvements  

Cllr Nigel Long said: “The residents of Serpentine Court made a great decision in November 2018 to demolish Serpentine Court and rebuild it. The discussions on the best way forward then saw a range of other measures put forward that will benefit the whole of the Lakes Estate. It highlights for me what can be done when the Council listens to and trusts communities. I am a great believer in working with people to find the best solution to local needs. This has to be central to all future regeneration and estate renewals.”   

The proposed investment is being undertaken in two phases:

Phase A will cover:

• 191 replacement council houses for Serpentine Court residents
• 112 new homes
• All estate improvements
• A new community hub
• 230 sqm nursery
• 540 sqm of commercial space for businesses relocated from Serpentine Court
• Energy centre
• MOT testing centre (local business)

Cllr Long said: “Phase A is basically creating new homes for people and businesses that will be demolished in Phase B.”  

He added: “Phase B will see the demolition of Serpentine Court and the building of 288 new homes including extra 88 council houses and 70 care home apartments, more commercial business space and further road improvements.”  

Cllr Long concluded: “Milton Keynes Labour-led Council is committed to improving all estates across Milton Keynes and not just the original 7 regeneration estates. We are committed to working with communities to find the best solutions to local housing challenges and wider community needs. The proposals for the Lakes Estate highlight how, working with residents, we can develop a range of improvements that have community support and will be the first stage in the wider improvements needed on the Lakes Estate.”