Issue - meetings

David Joyner, Transport and Development Manager was in attendance and Tim Read, Head of Transportation was in attendance virtually.

1.    Mr Baker introduced the report, setting out the background to the Key Decision and updating KCC’s vehicle parking standards. KCC was required to balance the rules under the National Planning Policy Framework with the reality and wishes of residents and businesses.

2.    Mr Joyner responded to questions of detail and noted comments, which included the following:

a.    A Member questioned the number of parking spaces required for new residential areas, as set out in Table 1 of the Appendix to the draft Standards. They noted a that KCC were requesting 0.2 visitor spaces per unit (i.e. 20 visitor spaces per 100 units). The Member felt this should be a minimum of 0.5 per unit so there was more flexibility for residents. The Committee were in agreement that this should be recommended to the Cabinet Member.

b.    A Member added that limited parking provision in new estates often created challenges for residents. They provided the example of those with work vans, as there was often no provision for residents to park an extra vehicle at their home.

c.     Residential parking standards were part of the Kent Design Guide and it was intended to host these within a web-based version which was under development.

RESOLVED to:

i.               Recommend to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport that on page 118 of the agenda pack, the reference in the proposed policy of 0.2 vehicles per unit be amended to 0.5;

ii.              Subject to consideration of the specific recommendation change above, endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to:

a.    ADOPT the Kent County Council Vehicle Parking Standards 2024 as an approved policy; and

b.    DELEGATE authority to the Director of Highways and Transportation to take necessary actions including but not limited to entering into relevant contracts, or other legal agreements to implement this decision as shown at Appendix A.