Milton Keynes' shopping centre expansion approved

Plans include new restaurants, shops and a five-screen cinema

Developers have been given permission for a £70m "remodelling" of a shopping centre in Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes Council approved the plans for Intu, which opened in 2000 as Midsummer Place, to include new shops and a five-screen cinema.

Intu said it would "create a contemporary destination for customers to shop".

Objectors said it contradicts the neighbourhood plan and wants the decision called in by the government.

The scheme will add a further 100,000 sq ft, increasing its current size by almost a quarter, and will include a new dining area over two levels, with new landscaped areas and public space outside.

'Serious challenge'

Chair of Central Milton Keynes Town Council, Rebecca Kurth, said she was "extremely disappointed" that elected representatives had voted for "an application which directly contradicts" the "democratically approved" neighbourhood plan which includes the provision for more small local shops and a new public transport shuttle.

"I'm hoping the government will recognise this is a serious challenge to their polices and views on local neighbourhood plans and planning," Ms Kurth said.

"If the secretary of state believes this decision undermines some of his key government policies then he may choose to step in."

But an Intu spokesman said the neighbourhood plan called for "an expanded and diversified retail offer in the city centre and a greater mix of dining and leisure in the evening" and so its proposals were "in line" with this.

Regional director, Martin Breeden, said: "Intu Milton Keynes is already the premium fashion pitch in the city and these plans will strengthen its position, creating a contemporary destination for customers to shop, eat, relax and socialise."

Shelley Peppard from Intu said: "If the council want to put a transport link in in the future, that is absolutely possible. We are leaving a really big gap for that to happen."