Agenda item

Following a request made by the Committee at its meeting on 20^th February, the Strategic Lead, Planning and Policy Projects, introduced a report explaining how the Council’s current policy for car parking in Slough town centre operated.  Concerns had been expressed regarding the number of proposals being submitted for the development of flats or change of use from offices to flats in the town centre.

It was highlighted that the purpose of the current policy was to actively promote housing in the town centre, without adding to congestion. The issue of air quality and pollution was also raised, wherein it was confirmed that the policy was to ensure air quality was not further affected negatively.

The Officer discussed the current parking policy, strategy, and the possible affect of these on the quality and type of flats being built in the town centre. Concerns were raised by Members that the currently policy to promote building residences without car spaces could lead to problems in the future. It was felt that it was likely that prospective property buyers would want to have cars, and so there was a risk that the properties would remain unsold, or that new buyers would instead park their cars in inappropriate spaces and thereby inconvenience existing residents and further add to traffic congestion. It was also reported that current residents did not wish to have to buy parking permits. It was noted that in Central Ward, existing residents had significant difficulties parking in their roads and accessing their properties- there was a concern that their parking should be safeguarded.

It was confirmed by the Officer than there was currently permit car parking available within Queensmere, which commuters could purchase for a weekly fee. However it was felt that prospective home buyers would enter into a purchase in full knowledge that car parking spaces were restricted.

It was also pointed out that the Council’s policy for a number of years had been to not require parking in the town centre, and there had been no specific problems. The controlled town centre parking zone could be expanded should there be a requirement to increase the area. It was also highlighted that the policy did not prohibit applications with parking, but allowed applications without parking.

In summary, it was felt that there remained concerns that the policy, although designed to reduce traffic in the town centre and promote alternative transport, could cause long term problems. It was acknowledged that the required debate went beyond the remit of the Planning Committee and creative solutions around pricing, section 106s, visitor permits and air quality management were required. Officers were requested to be mindful of these matters when discussing the policy moving forward.

It was also suggested that that the Town Centre Car Parking Policy be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny within its future work programme in the next Municipal Year.

Resolved – That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be recommended to consider the Town Centre Car Parking Policy in its future work programme.