Environment

mksm provides an opportunity not only to invest in local environments, but also to ensure that new development is planned to respect natural and built environment, and the needs of new and existing communities.

With the scale of growth in mksm, local planning authorities and developers will need to plan the integration of high quality environment into new development – including design, green space and networks, and utilities infrastructure (e.g. water and waste). The challenge of delivering high quality new developments also gives the opportunity for best practice and design solutions to present themselves, designing out crime and flood risk for example.

But mksm is also about celebrating the existing environment and surrounding local assets. Whether they are town centres rich in history, such as Northampton, Bedford and Aylesbury, the stunning countryside and natural settings of the Chilterns, Forests such as Marston Vale, Rockingham and Salcey, or the rich heritage and architecture of the many stately homes and visitor attractions.

Celebrating and improving the environmental setting in its wider sense supports economic, social and environmental objectives, and environmental improvements are a key part of all mksm’s local growth programmes.