EPOA have updated and approved new 2024 parking guidance for new development.

This guidance looks at solutions to accommodate parking for a range of vehicles – powered and unpowered,  and proposes a level of provision which balance demand/provision with the need to create quality public/private spaces.

The 2024 guidance is split into two parts:

Part 1 (click here) – for most development applications across Essex - this guidance provides the foundations for part 2.

Part 2 (click here) – for Garden Communities and Large Scale Developments – this part is focused on outcomes for sustainable growth to create quality places. This guidance is accompanied by a connectivity tool spreadsheet (click here)

The new guidance provides :

• An assessment of the developments location and connectivity services by sustainable transport – in very high/high connectivity areas a lower level of parking can be provided
• Minimum level of provision in all cases except for one bedroom apartments in highly connected locations
• Greater level of information on electric vehicle charging
• Updated cycle parking guidance including a range of cycle types
• Updated enforcement guidance
• Updated layout design guidance especially landscaping
• Standards table aligned to latest land use classes
• A more progressive approach to Garden Communities and Large Scale Developments linking together local data, connectivity, provision of services and sustainable transport measures
• Opportunity over time to repurpose parking if demand is less than expected

Topics covered in the guidance include:

Part 1 is an update of the previous 2009 standard which is now withdrawn. The 2024 guidance is comprehensive in its coverage and includes purpose and need, application, relationship to part 2, relationship to national and local policy. The general guidance section looks at calculation of parking requirements, introduces the zonal approach, relationship to transport assessments and travel plans, enforcement and car park management plans. There are individual sections on cycle parking, electric vehicles, parking for the disabled, powered two wheelers, design and layout and the standards for each land use class.

Part 2 covers the role of parking In Garden Communities and Large Scale Developments, Vision and Outcomes, supporting measures, connectivity led standards and how and when to apply the Connectivity tool, and successfully achieving outcomes through design.

Key Messages

• All forms of parking should be clearly identifiable yet suitably integrated into the public realm. The provision of parking should not dominate the public realm.
• The EPOA guidance should be referred to in terms of parking provision and detailed design.
• Lower levels of proposed parking provision need to be evidenced
• Covered, safe and secure cycle storage should be located in prominent and accessible locations, for all ages and range of physical and mental abilities, as part of the design of new homes. Cycle parking should be provided as part of the internal arrangement of residential garages.
• Cycle parking should be provided at key destinations such as places of work and/or leisure and should be easily accessible, prominent, safe, conveniently located and secure.
• On-street vehicle parking must not restrict access to footpaths and cycleways.
• Electric vehicle charging must be provided
• All forms of parking should be future proofed, allowing for adaptation at a future date.
• Don’t let parking dominate the place

Key Questions

• Have the appropriate EPOA Guidance been complied with for the scale of development under consideration?
• Has the connectivity of the area in which the development is located been considered to determine the appropriate level of parking?
• For Garden Communities and Large Scale developments has the connectivity tool been used to calculate the level of provision for the stage of development?
• Have the electric vehicle charging requirements been met?
• How many cycle parking spaces have been provided per property?
• Is safe, convenient, secure, prominent cycle parking provided for all types of cycles at all key destinations, residential and non-residential buildings?
• Has on-street parking been designed to avoid cars parking on footways and cycleways?
• Is there the correct balance between on plot/off plot, allocated/unallocated been considered to provide efficient use of space and sufficient flexibility?
• Is appropriate package of enforcement measures provided to manage parking – in garden communities will this be managed by a stewardship body?
• Has consideration been given to how car parking spaces can be adapted and changed in future?
• Are all forms of parking accessible to people of all ages and a range of physical and mental abilities?

Any comments on this new EPOA Parking Guidance please email :

EPOAparkingguidance@essex.gov.uk

We will monitor emails to understand how this 2024 EPOA guidance maybe developed and modified in the future working with EPOA partners.