Project : A Prepared by: Jack Wellings / Andrew Hughes. Client: Wembdon Parish Council Approved by: Philip Weatherhead

Transcription

1 Technical Note 01 Project: Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan Office: Wellington Project : A Prepared by: Jack Wellings / Andrew Hughes Client: Wembdon Parish Council Approved by: Philip Weatherhead Date: 31/10/2018 Status: Final Subject: Parking Technical Note 1 Introduction 1.1 WYG Transport has been appointed by Wembdon Parish Council (WPC) to provide transport advice regarding the Draft Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) with a specific focus on the justification of the inclusion of Policy WB3 in its current form and wording. 1.2 It is evident from the public consultation and neighbourhood surveys previously undertaken, that local residents consider that the adopted parking standards provided by Somerset County Council, may not be wholly appropriate for future developments in the Parish. Further consultation has also generated additional responses from Somerset County Council (SCC), as well as developers including Barton Willmore and Persimmon Homes. 1.3 This Technical Note has been prepared to take account of the public consultation and provide an objective evidence base towards a more local approach to the application of car parking standards within Wembdon. Analysis of the relevant national and local policy framework has been undertaken, alongside a review of Census data in respect of existing car ownership levels and travel patterns both within Wembdon and in surrounding comparative areas. This exercise, in effect, improves upon and updates the evidence base approach already taken by SCC in setting parking standards across the County for new developments. 1.4 Through the above assessment, it can be demonstrated that it is appropriate to move away from the strict application of SCC s Zone A parking standards as contained in their Parking Strategy. A map providing the parking zones is provided in Appendix A. 2 Parking Policy and Literature Review National Planning Policy Framework 2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was revised in 2018 and sets out the Government s planning policies for England and how these should be applied. This document states that the policies in the previous Framework will apply for the purpose of examining plans, where those plans are submitted on or before 24 January Therefore, for the purpose of this exercise the 2012 NPPF have been reviewed. 2.2 It states that if setting local parking standards for residential and non-residential development, policies should take into account of: a) the accessibility of the development; b) the type, mix and use of development; c) the availability of and opportunities for public transport; Limited. Registered in England & Wales Number: Registered Office: Arndale Court, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2UJ

2 d) local car ownership levels; and e) the need to ensure an adequate provision of spaces for charging plug-in and other ultra-low emission vehicles. 2.3 The NPPF also states that maximum parking standards for residential and non-residential development should only be set where there is a clear and compelling justification that they are necessary for managing the local road network. 2.4 On this basis, national planning policy clearly states that a flexible approach to parking should be adopted and where possible, the application of maximum standards should be avoided. 2.5 SCC stated in their Regulation 14 consultation response that their parking standards are not maximum levels to be provided on new development sites. This response is contained at Appendix B. Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council 2.6 The current parking standards applied in Wembdon and adopted by Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) are in accordance with SCC s Parking Strategy (SCCPS) which was published in September The SCCPS uses information from the DVLA, to calculate the approximate number of residential vehicles currently in each ward; this includes cars, vans and motorcycles. The relevant standards of residential parking are required for each zone based on current car ownership per dwelling type and the forecast increase in population, housing and car ownership. 2.8 The Parking Strategy states that the parking in residential areas has to be well designed to provide security and landscaping, adequate bay sizes, as this helps to prevent the likelihood of car parking over spilling onto the highway. 2.9 In addition to this, the Parking Strategy also states that the major element of road safety within estates is the elimination of, or at least a major reduction in, parking on the carriageway. It expands by stating that in almost half of all pedestrian accidents and a quarter vehicular accident in residential areas the presence of a parked vehicle is reported. Therefore, it is good practice to remove on street parking. Additionally, On-street parking creates difficulties for emergency services, delivery and service vehicles and, indeed, residents themselves. Visually it is unsatisfactory and maintenance problems are increased by larger vehicles overriding kerbs and footways to pass parked vehicles With regard to parking zones, provided at Appendix A, the County is split into zones and these are identified in the SCCPS as: Zone A (Red) Large population areas: These were defined by the three main urban hubs (Taunton, Bridgwater, and Yeovil). Red Zones are population areas over 30,000 residents. Zone B (Amber) Mid-Range population areas: These areas have a population of between 3,000 and 29,999. Zone C (Green) Low population areas: These areas have a population of up to 2,999. A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan 2

3 2.11 The current adopted residential parking standards, including visitor parking, are shown in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 Somerset County Council Residential Parking Standards Zone 1 Bed 2 Bed 3 Bed 4 Bed Notes A Red (30,000+ Population) B Amber (3,000 to 29,999 Population) visitor parking + visitor parking C Green (up to 2,999 Population) visitor parking NOTE: Where half of parking is unallocated: No visitor parking required. Where less than half of parking is unallocated: 0.2 spaces per dwelling An analysis of the 2011 Census Data for population statistics indicates that Bridgwater has a population of circa 24,000. Wembdon has a population of circa 1800 which is more commensurate with a rural population being under 3000 and it may be that this has not been taken into account when setting SCC s standards which may have included the area within the wider built up area of Bridgwater SDC undertook, between 28 th August and 10 th October 2018 public consultation on the proposed main modifications to the submitted Sedgemoor Local Plan ( ). With regard to parking, the policy states that new development should: Ensure that the expected nature and volume of traffic and parked vehicles generated by the development would not compromise the safety and / or function of the local or strategic road networks in terms of both volume and type of traffic generated; and, Ensure car parking and vehicle servicing at levels appropriate to the development and in accordance with the parking standards detailed within the Somerset County Council Parking Strategy. 3 Census Data Review 3.1 In order to gather relevant evidence with regard to car ownership and the current method of travel to work / car usage in Sedgemoor, an analysis of the 2011 Census Data has been undertaken for areas incorporating Wembdon, Bridgwater, North Petherton, Cannington and Nether Stowey. The areas selected, other than Bridgwater, are all located in Zone B of the parking standards and have similar characteristics as Wembdon. It is pertinent to note that exact output area boundaries may also include neighbouring output areas still considered acceptable for inclusion within the analysis. The following datasets have been analysed and are summarised in Table 3.1 through Table 3.3 and the Census Data is provided for reference in Appendix C Census Data on Car Ownership; 2011 Census Data on Method of Journey to Work; and, 2011 Census Data for Origin / Destination. A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan 3

4 Table Car Ownership Census Data (Households) Location No Car Has a Car 1 Car 2 Cars 3 Cars 4+ Cars Car Ownership Bridgwater (Zone A) 3,227 (31%) 7,260 (69%) 4,835 (46%) 1,957 (19%) 360 (3%) car per household Wembdon (Zone A) 62 (9%) 658 (91%) 263 (37%) 293 (41%) 73 (10%) 29 (4%) 1.7 cars per household North Petherton 224 (16%) 1,178 (84%) 622 (44%) 429 (31%) 93 (7%) 34 (2%) 1.4 cars per household Cannington 118 (14%) 750 (86%) 407 (47%) 272 (31%) 57 (7%) 14 (2%) 1.4 cars per household Nether Stowey 88 (14%) 552 (86%) 277 (43%) 204 (32%) 54 (8%) 17 (3%) 1.5 cars per household 3.2 Based on the information contained in table 3.1 the following key summaries can be made with regard to car ownership within Sedgemoor and between the reviewed areas: It is evident that 21% more households own a car in Wembdon than in adjacent Bridgwater, with roughly 22% of households in Bridgwater not owning a car; Car ownership in Wembdon is in the region of 0.7 vehicles per household higher than in Bridgwater, and is slightly higher than the Zone B areas of North Petherton, Cannington and Nether Stowey, that also show a greater proportion of car ownership than in Bridgwater; and, Wembdon has the highest number of vehicles per household in Zone A and Zone B locations, as well as the highest proportion of households owning a car and lowest proportion of households without a car. On this basis, Wembdon is arguably more comparable to a Zone B location than a Zone A location. A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan 4

5 Table Method of Journey to Work Census Data Method of Travel to Work Bridgwater (Zone A) Wembdon (Zone A) North Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey Train, metro, tram Bus, minibus or coach 269 (2%) 15 (2%) 45 (3%) 17 (2%) 7 Taxi Motorcycle Car or Van 6,328 (59%) 647 (75%) 1,077 (78%) 662 (75%) 423 (79%) Passenger Car or Van 853 (8%) 47 (5%) 74 (5%) 55 (6%) 15 (3%) Bicycle 930 (9%) 62 (7%) 41 (3%) 30 (3%) 20 (4%) Walking 2,117 (20%) 72 (8%) 108 (8%) 93 (11%) 56 (10%) Other Total (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) 3.3 Based on the information contained in table 3.2 the following key summaries can be made with regards to current travel patterns by local residents: The main mode of transport for residents of Wembdon is car or van with 75% of them using this method of transport to travel to / from work. This is similar to those residents living in the Zone B areas of Cannington, North Petherton and Nether Stowey, where use of those modes is also at, or around 75%; A significantly lower proportion of residents travel to / from work by car in Bridgwater, circa 16% to 20% lower than the other areas. Car dependence in Bridgwater seems to be lower than all other areas; Travel by bus and rail is relatively low in all Zone A and Zone B locations, and whilst there are bus and rail services available, usage is considerably low even by those residents living in Bridgwater. A bus service is provided through Wembdon which operates on a half hourly frequency Monday Friday. However, the service could be considered to be limited as the last service towards Bridgwater is at 19:14 and the last service from Bridgwater arrives at 18:28. Additionally, on a Saturday, the last service to Bridgwater is at 17:49 and the last service from Bridgwater arrives at 18:28 and it operates on approximately a two-hour frequency. There are more residents walking to work in Bridgwater (20%) compared to Wembdon (2%). This is due to the greater number of employees are locate within the town centre of Bridgwater; A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan 5

6 Bridgwater has the highest proportion of travel by both walking and cycling at 29%. This is also between 10% -15% higher than all other areas; and, Wembdon is clearly more comparable to Zone B than Zone A with regard to travel to work by car. Table Origin / Destination Census Data Location Bridgwater (Zone A) Wembdon (Zone A) North Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey Works in Sedgmoor Works outside Sedgmoor 73% 58% 50% 66% 58% 27% 42% 50% 34% 42% 3.4 On the basis of the table above, the key summaries can be made with regards to origin / destination within Sedgemoor: It is evident that Bridgwater has the highest level of active travel trips i.e. by walking and cycling, this is evidenced by 73% of residents working within Sedgemoor; All areas, other than Bridgwater, have a higher proportion of residents working outside Sedgemoor, which is also evidenced further by the higher proportion of travel by car and the increased dependence on the car; The origin / destination data suggests that Wembdon is more comparable with Zone B locations, rather than the Zone A location of Bridgwater, further suggesting / supporting the fact that car ownership and dependence is higher than in Bridgwater. 4 Key Findings 4.1 The key findings of the data undertaken can be summarised as: Based on an analysis of the 2011 Census Data, car ownership and car dependency in Wembdon is more comparable to the characteristics of Zone B parking standards rather than Zone A; Households in Wembdon typically own 1.7 vehicles, whereas households in Bridgwater typically own 1.0 vehicle, a 0.7 vehicle per household increase. This is further evidenced by residents in Bridgwater travelling more by walking and cycling and less by car, with more residents in Bridgwater working within Sedgemoor. Wembdon, therefore, is more akin with North Petherton, Nether Stowey and Cannington; and, The aim of Policy WB3 is to ensure that parking for new development is provided in accordance with likely predicted demand (i.e. based on current Census data) to ensure that on-street / overspill parking is kept to a minimum. It is considered, that in itself, a higher provision of offstreet parking does not promote increased car ownership, but rather, satisfies demand and reduces the number of vehicles parking on street. This together with other sustainable transport improvements encouraged within Policy WB3 would ensure that an appropriate, local and evidence-based approach is pursued for new developments in Wembdon. A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan 6

7 5 Summary 5.1 This Technical Note has been prepared to take account of public consultation feedback in connection with the preparation of the Wembdon Neighbourhood Development Plan. It aims to provide an objective evidence base to justify a more local approach to the application of car parking standards within Wembdon. 5.2 To inform this technical note, an analysis of the relevant national and local policy framework has been undertaken, alongside a review of Census data in respect of existing car ownership levels and travel patterns both within Wembdon and in surrounding comparative areas. This exercise, in effect, improves upon and updates the evidence base approach already taken by SCC in setting parking standards across the County for new developments. 5.3 With regard to the above assessment, the findings within this Technical Note can be summarised as: The evidence suggests that it is appropriate to move away from the strict application of SCC s Zone A parking standards as contained within SCC s published Parking Strategy for new development proposals in Wembdon; Adopting a local approach to car parking standards, on a site by site basis is supported by planning policy at all levels, including the national, county and local standards and policy; Setting maximum parking standards can result in parking overspill on-street parking as well as highway safety considerations such as access by emergency services, which is discussed in the SCC Parking Strategy document; 2011 Census Data indicates that Wembdon is more characteristic of a Zone B location than a Zone A location and, on this basis, the application of Zone A standards do not seem either reasonable and / or appropriate. Furthermore, if SCC zone A standards continue to be applied to Wembdon there is a risk of on-street / increased overspill parking on local roads as a result of new residential developments, which the policy is specifically seeking to avoid. Typically, households in Wembdon own 0.7 more vehicles than in Bridgwater, providing a similar comparison with other Zone B sites; and, The findings of the analysis undertaken suggests that the standards should be applied flexibly into the appropriate provision determined based on the evidence provided by applicants and the specific circumstances of the development site. It is considered that Policy WB3 contains sufficient flexibility in terms of taking into account design and viability considerations to achieve this. A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan 7

8 Appendix A SCC ZONE PARKING MAP A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan A Wembdon Neighbourhood Development Plan (Final)

9 Legend Somerset Parking Standards Zone A Zone B Zone C Kilometers WYG Transport Somerset Parking Zones - Scale at A3: 1:380,000 Drawn by: BM Project No: - Drawn date: 25/10/2018 Crown Copyright All rights reserved. Licence number: Open Government Data reproduced contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 Other Credits: Drawing No: Revision: - - Approved by: PW C:\Users\ben.maliphant\Downloads\GIS Data\180530_SomersetParkingStandards.mxd

10 Appendix B REGULATION 14 CONSULTATION RESPONSE A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan A Wembdon Neighbourhood Development Plan (Final)

11 Response from Transport Policy - SCC Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your draft neighbourhood plan. After discussion with my Planning Liaison Colleagues we do have comment with regards to the parking policy (page 24 and Policy WB3) and the intention to develop a Wembdon Parking Strategy and to change Wembdon's parking zone classification. Please be aware that the assignment of parking zones is the responsibility of Somerset County Council and informs the SCC Parking Strategy that is applied County wide and would still be applied in Wembdon. However, the SCC Parking Strategy is an 'optimum level' guidance and does have some flexibility. If an applicant can justify the need to provide more spaces then it would be unlikely that the SCC would raise an objection solely on the parking levels of a development. It should also be remembered that the Parking Strategy also sets out the parking for bicycles, motorcycles and electric vehicle charging points which should also be considered in any development. I have attached a copy, for ease, should you wish to consult the Parking Strategy further. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best regards, Lucy Bath Technical Lead - Transport Policy Tel: (01823) or (NB: I do not work Mondays) Transport Policy Economic and Community Infrastructure - Commissioning B2South Somerset County Council County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY

12 Appendix C 2011 CENSUS DATA ANALYSIS A Wembdon Neighbourhood Plan A Wembdon Neighbourhood Development Plan (Final)

13 Car Availability Wembdon Bridgwater N Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey % 4,835 46% % % % % 1,957 19% % % % % 360 3% 93 7% 57 7% 54 8% 4 or more 29 4% 108 1% 34 2% 14 2% 17 3% No Car 62 9% 3,227 31% % % 88 14% Has a Car % 7,260 69% 1,178 84% % % Total % 10, % 1, % % % Average car per house WembdoBridgwatNorth PeCanningtonNether Stowey Has a Car 91% 69% 84% 86% 86% No Car 9% 31% 16% 14% 14% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Car Ownership Levels 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Wembdon Bridgwater North Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey No Car 9% 31% 16% 14% 14% Has a Car 91% 69% 84% 86% 86%

14 Method of Travel to Work Wembdon Bridgwater N Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey Train, metro, tram 8 1% 95 1% 3 0% 4 0% 5 1% Bus, minibus or coach 15 2% 269 2% 45 3% 17 2% 7 1% Taxi 0 0% 51 0% 3 0% 1 0% 0 0% Motorcycle 9 1% 114 1% 16 1% 10 1% 4 1% Car or Van % 6,328 59% 1,077 78% % % Passenger Car or Van 47 5% 853 8% 74 5% 55 6% 15 3% Bicycle 62 7% 930 9% 41 3% 30 3% 20 4% Walking 72 8% 2,117 20% 108 8% 93 11% 56 10% Other 2 0% 44 0% 9 1% 8 1% 4 Total % 10, % 1, % % % WembdoBridgwatNorth PeCanningtonNether Stowey Car or Van including Car Share 81% 66% 84% 81% 82% Other Modes 19% 34% 16% 19% 17% Method of Travel to Work 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Wembdon Bridgwater North Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey Other Modes 19% 34% 16% 19% 17% Car or Van including Car Share 81% 66% 84% 81% 82%

15 Wembdon Bridgwater N Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey Works in Sedgemoor 58% 73% 50% 66% 58% Works outside Sedgemoor 42% 27% 50% 34% 42% Place of Work by Place of Residence 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Wembdon Bridgwater N Petherton Cannington Nether Stowey Works outside Sedgemoor 42% 27% 50% 34% 42% Works in Sedgemoor 58% 73% 50% 66% 58%