URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4097

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek approval to carry out a statutory 4-week consultation of the Draft SPD which once consulted will be used as a material consideration in the determination of relevant planning applications.

Content: RESOLVED that the Cabinet:         i.         agree the content of the Draft Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (Draft Parking Standards SPD) (Appendix 1);         ii.        agree public consultation on the Draft Parking Standards SPD (Appendix 1) between  Tuesday 13th January 2026 and Tuesday 10th February 2026 as set out in Section 8 of this report and Appendix 2; and       iii.        delegate authority to the Executive Director: Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside to agree any necessary minor amendments to the Draft Parking Standards SPD prior to public consultation.     The current Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document dated 2016 is increasingly out-of-date. It refers to the old Use Classes Order and fails to provide parking standards to serve developments such as large Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs). It also adopts an inflexible approach which does not support the Council’s  strategy to focus new development in and around the town centre and encourage the use of sustainable transport options.   The Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document Consultation Draft addresses these issues, including by introducing  a more flexible approach to parking provision in instances where this can be robustly justified and supported through the provision of sustainable transport options such as car clubs and financial contributions toward off-site travel planning easures. A statutory stage in the production of a SPD is public consultation on a draft document. Therefore, an effective consultation on the Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Consultation Draft will ensure it can be adopted and become a material consideration in determining relevant planning applications. The preparation of the SPD contributes towards the Council Plan (2023-2027) priorities by ensuring that Bracknell town centre continues to thrive, the local transport network provides choice in travel and there is collective action to address and adapt to the climate emergency.   The Council could opt to not produce an SPD.  The absence of an adopted up to date SPD would make the assessment of planning applications open to interpretation and inconsistent with national regulations. Production of the SPD will assist potential developers and other interested parties by providing clarity on the Council’s expectations in how parking provision to serve  new developments should be provided.   None.

Date of Decision: December 16, 2025