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THE EFFECT OF MAXIMUM CAR PARKING STANDARDS INCLUDING INWARD INVESTMENT IMPLICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE COMMISSION
1.1.1 Oscar Faber and Jones Lang LaSalle were commissioned by the Scottish Executive in June 2001 to investigate the impact of maximum parking standards, including, the potential impact on inward investment.
1.1.2 This research study was considered to be an important piece of work, prior to the proposed publication of an addendum to National Planning Policy Guidance 17 (NPPG 17) "Transport and Planning", which is planned to contain a set of National Maximum Parking Standards for major travel generating developments. It was considered necessary to examine the impact of maximum parking standards both on the development, but also on developer and occupier confidence.
1.2 STUDY BACKGROUND
1.2.1 NPPG 17 "Transport and Planning" was published in April 1999 and set out a framework for delivering better integration of transport and land use planning, with the objective of locating key travel generating uses to support more sustainable travel patterns. The framework consists of four main components:
- location policy - ensuring specified development takes place in locations which support sustainable developments;
- a set of maximum parking standards for specified uses;
- replacing the system of traffic impact assessments with broader transport assessments covering access by all modes; and
- the use of travel plans and planning agreements to promote sustainable transport solutions.
1.2.2 The current policy objective is to encourage the development of constrained parking standards, to provide developers with incentives to actively promote a range of transport modes to their sites. However, concern has been expressed that maximum standards may compromise the ability of Scottish agencies to attract inward investment, putting Scotland at an international disadvantage
1.3 STUDY OBJECTIVES
1.3.1 The objectives of this study were designed to focus both on development issues, and also inward investment concerns. Specific objectives are set out below.
- Review practice in Scotland and the UK of the effects on developer confidence of maximum parking standards applied through development control;
- Examine effects in terms of incentives or disincentives to develop, including:
- economic use of land;
- requirement on developers/end users for Green Travel Plans, including any capital or revenue investment in alternative modes of transport;
- characteristics of labour force, including catchment and mobility;
- any other factors significant to location decision.
- Examine effects as experienced by users including employees and customers, such as:
- alternative competing employment or customer opportunities;
- availability and take up of alternative modes of transport;
- effect on parking in surrounding area;
- adaptation of work practices;
- adaptation of offer to customers; and
- any other significant effects.
- To investigate in particular the experience of inward investors and to probe attitudes of potential inward investors, given the range of effects outlined above, and the situation likely to pertain in locations in competition with Scotland.
1.4 STUDY METHODOLOGY
1.4.1 In order to fulfil the objectives of the study, a staged approach was undertaken. Firstly, all Scottish Local Authorities were contacted to determine how parking standards were currently being applied. Work was also undertaken to determine those English Authorities currently applying maximum parking standards.
1.4.2 Following this review of current practice, a list of potential case studies was collected - both from a development perspective and an inward investment perspective. These were agreed with the client prior to progressing.
1.4.3 For each case study, discussions were held either in person, or via the telephone with the appropriate local authority. Developers were then contacted and sent a questionnaire to complete. Responses to the questionnaire were then followed up either by visiting the developer / site or with a telephone discussion.
1.4.4 Further approaches were made to inward investment authorities such as Locate in Scotland (now called Scottish Development International) and Scottish Enterprise.
1.5 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT
1.5.1 Following this initial introduction, chapter 2 sets out the background to this study with a literature review discussing previous work of relevance. Chapter 3 details the methodology followed for this study, Chapter 4 provides the details found from the case studies while Chapter 5 discusses inward investment perspectives. Chapter 6 provides the findings and recommendations of this study.
1.5.2 Oscar Faber and Jones Lang LaSalle would like to thank all of the people who gave up their valuable time to assist with this study.
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