7.8

7.8 Peel Local Plan Parking Policy

Policy 7.8

Development proposals within Peel will be required to provide parking in accordance with the standards set out in Appendix 6 of the Strategic Plan.

Where it can be demonstrated that the proposed development would generate a significant increase in traffic movements, the Department may require the submission of a Transport Assessment to support the planning application.

The Department will have regard to the following matters when considering parking provision:

1. the accessibility of the site by public transport, walking and cycling;
2. the availability of public car parking in the vicinity;
3. the potential for shared use of parking spaces;
4. the need to ensure that parking provision does not dominate the street scene or the character of the area;
5. the need to ensure adequate provision for disabled parking;
6. the need to ensure adequate provision for cycle parking; and
7. the need to ensure adequate provision for motorcycle parking.

Justification

The provision of adequate parking is essential to ensure that new development does not result in unacceptable levels of on-street parking or traffic congestion. However, it is also important to ensure that parking provision does not dominate the street scene or the character of an area, particularly in sensitive locations such as conservation areas.

The parking standards set out in Appendix 6 of the Strategic Plan provide guidance on the level of parking that should be provided for different types of development. These standards are based on national guidance and local experience and are considered to be appropriate for the Island.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to provide less parking than the standards suggest, for example where a site is well served by public transport or where there is adequate public car parking in the vicinity. Conversely, in some cases it may be necessary to provide more parking than the standards suggest, for example where a development is likely to generate a significant increase in traffic movements.

The Department will consider each application on its merits and will have regard to the matters set out in the policy when determining the appropriate level of parking provision.

Where a proposed development is likely to generate a significant increase in traffic movements, the Department may require the submission of a Transport Assessment to support the planning application. This will help to ensure that the impact of the development on the local highway network is properly assessed and that appropriate mitigation measures are put in place where necessary.