DETR to set maximum parking spaces for major developments

A draft revision of Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 has been published for public consultation. It seeks to reverse the current policy used by many planning authorities of setting a minimum number of car parking places for developments.

The draft revision also replaces the use of traffic impact assessments with more comprehensive ‘transport’ assessments.

“The existing traffic impact assessments will be replaced by new and broader transport assessments. These will need to take account of the accessibility of development by a range of transport options, including provision for those without use of a car,” said Minister of State for Housing and Planning Nick Raynsford. “We want those land uses which attract large numbers of people, such as public buildings or large employers, to be much more accessible by a choice of means of transport, including bus, rail, walking and cycling as well as by car.”

The draft revision is part of the implementation of the Deputy Prime Minister’s White Paper on transport and also contributes to the Government’s campaign to have land use planning engage in ‘joined-up thinking’ with other planning decisions, including transport and nature conservation. Comments on the draft revision are due by 5 January 2000.