29 May 2014, 4:43 pm
The current version of the London Plan, London's city-wide strategic planning document, seeks to prevent excessive provision of car parking spaces in the capital in order to encourage the use of public transport. The Draft Alterations (358-page / 19.0 MB PDF) propose a further reduction in the provision of spaces at new residential developments in areas with good access to public transport.
In a letter (2-page / 523 KB PDF) to the mayor during the consultation period on the Draft Alterations Boles expressed his concern that the London Plan goes too far in its restrictions on parking spaces.
"I am concerned that the approach to the provision of parking spaces for new development set out in the Plan at present does not reflect national policy", wrote Boles in the letter. "The government abolished national policy guidance that required councils to limit car parking provision for new residential development in 2011.
"These policies unfairly penalised drivers and could lead to poor quality development and congested streets", Boles continued. "The government believes that local authorities are best placed to ensure parking provision is appropriate to the needs of the proposed development."
Public examination of the Draft Alterations is due to take place in September.
