The government is proposing the establishment within four months of a new Milton Keynes Partnership Committee to oversee development across the town and exercise development control powers for all major planning applications within specific areas. These areas will form an urban development area. The committee will facilitate the establishment of the town and surroundings as one of its key growth areas. Its aim is to ensure that major planning decisions are co-ordinated by interested parties including local authorities, English Partnerships and representatives from the private sector and the Local Strategic Partnership. The town and the surrounding area are integral parts of the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Growth Area identified in 2002 by the government as a key area for new housing. Launching a consultation paper on the proposed committee regeneration minister Jeff Rooker said: "One of the aims of the Growth Area is to prevent urban sprawl through managed and considered development, and the partnership committee will help make that possible.” The consultation paper is available on the ODPM website –deadline for replies is March 1 2004.