Decision details

The Executive considered a report seeking the adoption of the Parking Provision and Sustainable Transport Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The following issues were raised during the debate:

·            The Assistant Director (Planning and Regulation) explained that the reason for a reduced car parking requirement in the four accessibility zones was on sustainability grounds, due to the proximity of these zones to facilities and amenities, such as the Stevenage Railway Station;

·            The Assistant Director (Planning and Regulation) undertook to respond to the Portfolio Holder for Resources regarding enforcement of disable parking bays in the Borough;

·            The Principal Planning Officer explained the formula used for the calculation of the number of disabled parking spaces required to be provided in new developments;

·            Officers were requested to give further consideration to strengthening the document regarding the requirements of developers to contribute towards sustainable transport methods; including some specific reference in the document to the Old Town/High Street area; and referring to “Living” rather than “Liveable” streets throughout the text;

·            The Leader made a specific request to officers to revise the wording of the “Park and Ride” section of the SPD, given the long held ambition of establishing a Park and Ride facility in the Borough aligned to the provision of an electric bus serving a circular route around the town.

The Executive supported the Leader’s additional recommendation that the Planning and Development Committee should be consulted prior to publication of the final SPD document.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the outcomes of the Draft Parking Provision and Sustainable Transport SPD consultation be noted.

2.          That the views and comments of the Planning and Development Committee on the SPD be sought at the next meeting of that Committee.

3.          That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director (Planning and Regulation), taking into account the views of the Planning and development Committee, and following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, to make minor amendments as necessary in the final preparation of the Parking Provision and Sustainable Transport SPD prior to its adoption.

4.          That, subject to Resolutions 2. and 3. above, the Parking Provision SPD (adopted 2012) be revoked.

5.          That, subject to Resolutions 2. and 3. above, the Parking Provision and Sustainable Transport SPD be approved for adoption as a material consideration for planning applications.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report; and 2. To allow the Planning and Development Committee to comment on the proposed SPD prior to its publication.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.