Region receives �63m for housebuilding

Thousands of new homes are to be built in the region

The Milton Keynes/South Midlands growth area is to receive �63m to build "sustainable" communities, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced on Wednesday.

This money is the first round of spending, which will lead to the building of about 133,000 new homes by 2016.

It will be spent on a range of projects - from transport links and regeneration to recycling old industrial land for thousands of housing units.

Mr. Prescott said: "This investment will create the right conditions for the development of sustainable communities across the region.

"Successful development means building decent homes in communities that will stand the test of time.

I believe this will become a project of national environmental significance and am delighted at the prospect of extra money to make this happen

Mick Young
Northamptonshire County Council

"Today we are giving a major boost to projects already getting on with the job of delivering high quality, well- designed homes, supported by good transport links and community facilities including schools, shops, parks and health centres."

The government said locally-accountable bodies will be set up in key locations in the region.

Rural campaigners have criticised government growth plans, saying they threaten greenbelt areas, though a report published in September last year stressed the need for affordable housing.

But Mick Young, leader of the Northamptonshire County Council, said he was pleased with the commitment to sustainable building.

County council 'delighted'

He said: "We hugely welcome investment coming through on public transport, schools, business support and inward investment - to make sure growth really is jobs led.

"The government has made reference to the Nene Valley Regional Park project, which would provide planned, green space on a large scale between our towns.

"I believe this will become a project of national environmental significance and am delighted at the prospect of extra money to make this happen."

Development will focus on six areas: Northampton-West Northamptonshire; North Northamptonshire area (Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough); Milton Keynes; Aylesbury; Bedford; and Luton and Dunstable.

In Northampton, Jeff Rooker, the Minister for Regeneration and Regional Development, said it was important to revitalise existing communities.

The M1 is to be widened to support growth

Mr Rooker said: "Our proposals are designed to capitalise on the success of existing centres, like Milton Keynes and Northampton, as well as raising growth levels in other centres through regeneration and action on skills.

"This is a major opportunity to boost the economic strength of the whole area, enhance local environments and improve public infrastructure.

"The creation of thousands of new homes, public spaces to be proud of and the regeneration of deprived areas and will all help to secure better places for future generations to live, work and relax".

The government recently committed �900m to local transport infrastructure, including the widening of the M1 between the M25 and Milton Keynes, widening the A421 between Bedford and the M1 and a new Dunstable Northern bypass.

It is hoped investing in the road network will support new development and tackle congestion.