Pioneering planning scheme shortlisted for economic growth award

The Milton Park Local Development Order is a pioneering public-private sector collaboration promoting ambitious, sustainable economic development, utilising largely previously developed land through simplified planning control.

Vale of White Horse District Council has partnered with MEPC, asset managers for Milton Park, to deliver an updated LDO and that work has resulted in being shortlisted in the Promoting Economic Growth category for the Planning Awards 2025.

Under the new revised LDO, Milton Park will be able to accommodate up to 4.2 million sq ft of development space and will support the creation of new jobs, drive forward sustainability and simultaneously attract significant investment in the Didcot area.

Using the latest AI-powered technology, traffic levels will be monitored in the LDO and this will determine how much money is contributed to highway improvements, instead of the usual level of occupied floorspace.

The LDO will also promote greener travel, with investment in bus services as well as new cycle and walking pathways. 

Carbon emissions will be minimised by retrofitting, reimagining and repurposing of existing buildings and incorporating low or zero carbon energy technology. The LDO will also increase biodiversity

Councillor Diana Lugova, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “I’m delighted that this fantastic partnership work between the council and MPEC has been recognised. 

“Simplifying planning is not an easy task but the LDO Framework addresses key planning issues – including transport, landscape, heritage, biodiversity and urban design – upfront, which saves the Vale significant resources in dealing with repetitive planning issues.

“Not only will LDO bring investment into Didcot, but just as importantly is how it promotes active travel such as cycling and walking.

“The council’s green ambitions are further promoted by the use of zero-carbon technology and increasing biodiversity. I hope we will be celebrating a win on awards night, but we are all winners from this scheme.”

The LDO is adopted until 2041, providing a long-term, simplified planning framework aligned with the local development plan, contributing to the LPA’s ambition of becoming a carbon neutral district by 2030 and supporting Milton Park’s 2040 vision to become a 24/7 hub for innovation. It also supports the ambitions of Science Vale UK and the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.

Philip Campbell, Commercial Director at MEPC Milton Park, said:

“Simplifying planning and section 106 agreements is hugely complicated, so it’s humbling to be recognised by some of the UK’s pre-eminent planning professionals in being shortlisted for this prestigious award.

“It’s been a real privilege to work with the Vale of White Horse District Council in updating the Milton Park LDO, which will give occupiers certainty, flexibility and room to grow, enabling them to remain laser-focused on driving innovation and greener growth for decades to come.”

The Planning Awards take place on Wednesday 11 June.