Bracknell Approves New Parking Standards Reforms

Bracknell Forest Council has adopted new parking rules for developments across the borough in a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The SPD, approved by cabinet on Tuesday, June 23, covers car-free developments in the town centre, disabled parking, electric vehicle charging points and says developer payments will fund parking restriction measures.

Councillor Guy Gillbe (Labour, Easthampstead & Wildridings), cabinet member for planning, said: "Parking is one of the most practical and visible aspects of new development and certainly one of the number one things we hear on the doorstep.

"As we know, it affects residents, visitors, businesses, highway safety, accessibility, street design, and the way places function day-to-day.

"The purpose of this SPD is to provide clear and up-to-date guidance on the level and type of parking expected in new developments across the borough.

"It updates the council's approach so that applicants, officers, members, and communities have a clearer framework for considering car parking, cycle parking, disabled parking, electric vehicle charging, and related design matters.

"The document recognises that different places have different circumstances.

"Parking provision in Bracknell town centre, for example, needs to be considered differently from less central or less accessible parts of the borough.

"The SPD therefore seeks to provide a responsible balance, ensuring appropriate parking provision while also supporting sustainable travel choices and well-designed places."

Andrew Hunter, the council's director of place, said parking space sizes have been increased following consultation.

Cllr Georgia Pickering (Labour, Binfield South & Jennett's Park) asked whether a measure to make disabled parking as close to buildings is open to interpretation.

Mr Hunter replied that the council does not specify dimensions, but disabled parking rules are based on the principle that these spaces should be situated as close as possible to accessible properties.

Cllr Pickering also mentioned the parking situation near the Kings Academy Binfield "calling it a daily nightmare for all parties involved." She asked whether developer contributions would be used to improve footpaths and cycleways.

Mr Hunter said the issues in Binfield would be dealt with by the council's highways department.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter