BackParking policy win

Living Streets Scotland welcomes change of heart in new Scottish Government Planning Policy.

Living Streets Scotland has welcomed the decision to keep national maximum parking standards in the consolidated Scottish Planning Policy document published today by the Scottish Government.

National maximum parking standards specify the maximum number of parking spaces allowable per square metre of development. Different standards apply depending on the type of development, for example, retail, business use or cinemas.

The consultative draft proposed that national maximum parking standards were not included which would mean there was no limit on the number of car parking spaces provided in new developments, but Living Streets Scotland, along with many individuals, objected due to the potential adverse impact on air pollution, health and levels of walking and cycling.

The final document includes maximum standards. This reduces competition between different developments such as different retail parks or different local authorities to provide greater numbers of car parking spaces. This measure should also help support the economy of town centres (where space for parking is at a premium) and reduce suburban sprawl.

Keith Irving, Living Streets Scotland manager, said:

“We are delighted to see this change of heart. Living Streets has lobbied hard to see these standards retained. The assessments of the Scottish Planning Policy suggested removing these standards could have damaged public health and could have increased air pollution and climate change emissions,” Irving said. “This new policy offers the opportunity to change our transport system from one currently dominated by car-users to one which encourages walking, cycling and use of public transport and helps create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets.”

Rowena Harding