Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Regeneration and Planning.

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Jonathan Dow.

(KEY) (1) That it is not viable for Eastbourne Borough Council to introduce a policy on local car parking standards for all new residential developments. (2) That Eastbourne Borough Council work with East Sussex County Council to address member concerns within the framework of the existing County guidance. (3) That future consideration be given to issues relating to car parking and sustainable travel through the new Local Plan.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Planning regarding the cost and viability of introducing a policy on local car parking standards for all new residential developments.

Visiting member, Councillor Smart addressed the Cabinet and recommended that they reject the officer’s recommendations.

The issue was referred to the Local Plan Steering Group, represented by both political groups and advice received was that the hierarchal structure meant that any standards introduced would only be considered as guidance and would be unlikely to outweigh East Sussex County Council’s advice as the local highway authority and statutory consultee.

It was clarified that the Planning Committee had the capacity to reject the County Council’s guidance on a case by case basis, providing it was justified.

Resolved (key decision):

(1) That it is not viable for Eastbourne Borough Council to introduce a policy on local car parking standards for all new residential developments.

(2) That Eastbourne Borough Council work with East Sussex County Council to address member concerns within the framework of the existing County guidance.

(3) That future consideration be given to issues relating to car parking and sustainable travel through the new Local Plan.

Reason for decision:

The introduction of local car parking standards is likely to be ineffective as they could not hold significant weight in decision making and many of the concerns raised can be addressed by working with East Sussex County Council within the existing car parking standards.