Off-street parking consultation

How many parking spaces should be provided at new developments? Should there be fewer spaces in areas which are better served by public transport?

These are some of the issues residents and developers can have their say on as the council consults on its draft Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This is a new document which will support Hertsmere's Local Development Framework.

The draft Parking Standards SPD deals with off-street parking provision at new developments across the borough. Primarily it outlines the number of car, cycle, motorcycle, disabled and visitor spaces that should be provided at both residential and non-residential developments. For example, for a three bedroom house, a maximum of two car parking spaces should be provided and one cycle space. These standards are in line with national guidelines. To assist in the planning process, the document offers advice on the layout and design of parking facilities.

The document recommends that developments in accessibility zones should have fewer car parking spaces to promote the use of walking, cycling and public transport. Accessibility zones are areas best served by public transport and local services and naturally, town centres and high streets form many of these zones in the borough. Developments that are less accessible will need to have a suitable number of car parking spaces.

The document also tells developers if they will need to provide a green travel plan or a section 106 contribution for their development. For example, green travel plans, containing measures such as special parking provision for car sharers and cyclists’ facilities, are expected to be provided for developments which are likely to create more traffic on the roads.

A section 106 agreement is usually imposed to offset the impact a development will have on the local environment. If the development will affect local transport capacity, a financial contribution would be expected from the developer to improve the highway by providing a cycle lane for example.

The consultation period runs from 4 February to 5pm on 17 March 2008.

Read the document and download a response form.

Alternatively you can request a hard copy by calling 020 8207 7584 and send comments by email to local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk or in writing to:

Parking Standards
Planning
Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Offices
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA

Please note that the draft Parking Standards SPD does not deal with on-street parking issues such as pay and display, residential permits or parking tickets – this is an entirely separate issue.