Non-residential

Parking
Standards

Including
Cycle Parking Standards and
Disabled Persons Parking Standards
Approved by Planning & Transportation Committee 6 April 2000
 Parking
Standards
Contents
1 Introduction 1

2 Using the Standards 2

3 Parking for People with Disabilities 5

4 Cycle Parking Standards 6

5 Other Standards 7

6 Definitions 8

7 Contacts 8

Parking Standards 9

Cycle Parking Standards and

Design Guidance for Motorcycle Parking 15

Planning & Transportation

Time Square
Market Street
Bracknell
RG12 1JD
This document is available in large type or on tape by request

Parking Standards 2000

1 Introduction

1.1 Policy M11 in the Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan Deposit Draft including Further
Proposed Changes requires all development to meet the Council’s adopted parking
standards. The Borough Council’s existing parking standards were adopted in 1990 and
this document sets out a number of revisions including cycle parking standards and
changes to the disabled persons parking standards.

1.2 This document includes interim changes pending the development of regional parking
standards and possible national parking standards. A full review will take place when
such standards are developed and also as part of the development of a comprehensive
parking strategy.
1.3 This document includes amendments made in May 2001 following the adoption of
revised residential parking guidelines. These guidelines are published separately.
Background

1.3 This interim review has been undertaken in order to bring the Council’s approach in line
with national and local transportation policy objectives which seek to reduce reliance on
the private car and encourage the use of alternative forms of transport.

1.4 In preparing these standards the Council has had regard to policies in the Berkshire
Structure Plan, the Berkshire Transport Plan and the Central Berkshire Transportation
Study, and the Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan as well as national planning guidance
and legislation.

1.5 The Government ‘s objectives for transport and the role of parking is found in a range of
documents, but most recently in draft Planning Policy Guidance Note 13, ‘Transport’. The
objectives set out in this guidance are to:

1 promote more sustainable forms of transport choices, and

2 reduce the need to travel, especially by car

1.6 The Government is seeking to ensure that planning and transportation policies are well
integrated, and thereby contribute to the Governments strategy on sustainable
development, with emphasis on revitalising towns and cities as places to live and work.

1.7 The Council will also be preparing a Parking Strategy in accordance with the outline
strategy set out in the Borough Council's Provisional Local Transport Plan, and having
regard to any adopted regional and national parking standards.

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2. Using the Standards

General Issues

2.1 These new guidelines include a commitment to apply the standards as the maximum,
rather than the minimum requirement, unless otherwise stated.

2.2 The parking standards in this document indicate the normal maximum requirement for
the following types of development:

New buildings
Extensions to existing buildings
Changes of use of existing buildings and land.

2.3 This guidance will be taken into account in considering all new planning applications
received by the Borough Council.

2.4 These standards relate to uses defined in the Town & Country Planning Use Classes
Order 1987 (as amended).

2.5 Where a type of development is proposed which is not specifically included within these
standards, the parking requirement will be assessed by taking into account the
information submitted with the application, site and locality characteristics including
public transport accessibility, and experience of similar developments.

Relaxations

2.6 National policy guidance encourages lower parking provision where there is the
opportunity for trips to be made by other means of transport. The Council will encourage
reduced parking provision subject to it being satisfied that there is adequate provision for
trips to be made by other modes of transport either through existing provision or with
improvements proposed as part of the development. Where the Borough Council
considers that the development cannot take place without improvements to public
transport and facilities for other modes of travel such as cycling and walking, a planning
obligation will be used to secure such improvements.

2.7 In addition to any reduction in the provision of spaces which may be accepted where
there is considered to be adequate access by non-car modes reduced standards may also
be accepted in the following circumstances:
• Where the retention and refurbishment of an historic building and its setting is of
prime consideration and on which the introduction of full standards parking would
have an adverse impact, so long as this would not cause a problem regarding
highway safety or residential amenity.

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 • A relaxation of the maximum standards may also be permitted for customer parking
for local shops where publicly available on and off street parking is assessed as being
adequate.
• For restaurants and other places of entertainment, the standard may be reduced
where alternative public off street parking will be available at the time required by
patrons.
• For changes of use between the shopping area uses (Uses A1, A2 and A3 of the Use
Classes Order), the standards may be relaxed where it is considered that any
additional parking requirements can be met within existing car park requirements.
This will particularly apply within Bracknell town centre and the centres of Sandhurst
and Crowthorne. Within Bracknell town centre, no additional parking will normally
be required for A3 proposals due to the peak operation times.

Shared/Communal Parking

2.8 Where there are multiple uses proposed, the parking requirement is normally calculated
separately for each use. Ancillary floorspace (e.g. bar/restaurant within an office) is
treated as part of the main use. However, in appropriate circumstances the provision of
shared and/or communal car parking can be particularly effective. In this way the
amount of land taken up by car parking spaces can be minimised. Shared car parking is
particularly appropriate where adjacent uses do not operate at their peak at the same
times. This can most easily be achieved on sites containing a mix of complementary uses
such as retail and restaurants. The Council will encourage mixed uses on appropriate
sites within the Borough.

2.9 Where shared parking is proposed, the Council will require details of peak levels of
parking demand for each use to be provided.

2.10 Within Bracknell town centre, the Borough Council will, wherever practicable, seek
agreement with developers to make their private parking available for general public use
outside normal business hours (such as evenings or Saturdays). The Council will have
regard to this requirement when considering the suitability of the design and layout of the
parking to be provided in new developments. This will only be sought where it does not
conflict with any overall management strategy for town centre car parking.

Residential Parking

2.11 Revised residential parking guidelines were adopted in May 2001 and have been
published as a separate document

Green Transport Plans

2.12 For developments likely to generate significant levels of traffic such as office
developments and schools, the Council will normally require a green transport plan to be
submitted to, and approved by the Council. This will be controlled through a S106
agreement and/or a planning condition. The Council is currently preparing advice on
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 Green Transport Plans. Further advice is available from sources such as the Thames
Valley Economic Partnership and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the
Regions.

2.13 Travel to school is one of the major contributors to peak hour congestion, and for the
development of new schools, or a significant expansion of existing facilities, a travel plan
should be produced to examine how pupils and parents journeys to school may be
accommodated.

2.14 Such travel plans should examine the scope for increasing the attractiveness of walking,
cycling and public transport for school journeys. The precise details of this, including
measures to be taken will vary according to each case.

Security

2.16 The Police Crime Prevention Design Adviser is able to provide advice on security for both
commercial and residential developments. In respect of communal parking, this should
be provided to ‘Secured Car Park’ Standards. This relates to prescribed standards for
lighting, vehicular and pedestrian access, surveillance and security. Further details on this
scheme and other aspects of designing out crime can be obtained from: P.C. Dave
Stubbs, Crime Prevention Design Adviser (Berks), tel. 01635 295156.

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3 Parking for People with Disabilities

3.1 The Borough Council will normally expect the following standards to be met in the
provision of parking for disabled people in all new developments. However, the Council
may consider some flexibility in standards where specific sites or uses justify a change:

Employment Premises

Up to 200 spaces 5% of capacity (minimum of 2 spaces)

Over 200 spaces 2% plus 6 spaces

Retail, Leisure or Recreational Premises

Up to 200 spaces 6% of capacity (minimum 3 spaces)

Over 200 spaces 4% plus 4 spaces

3.2 The provision of these spaces will be calculated using the maximum standards
irrespective of their location within the Borough.

Design of spaces

3.3 Disabled persons’ parking spaces should be a minimum of 3600mm wide. If space is
limited, it is acceptable for two standard bays (2400mm) with a marked shared space of
1200m between them to be provided as shown in the diagram below. If bays in line are
to be provided, bays should be 6600mm in length to allow easy access to the car boot
where a wheelchair may be stored.

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3.4 Parking spaces should be designated for use only by disabled people and clearly signed
at the entrance. Parking spaces should be clearly signed and should be located as close
to the pedestrian access points as possible. Use of these bays should be monitored at all
times to ensure that they are available for the use of disabled people.

3.5 On residential developments, the design of spaces should, wherever possible, have
regard to the needs of the disabled.

3.6 Further information is provided in “Designing for Accessibility” 1997, available from the
Borough Council Access Officer.

4 Cycle Parking Standards

4.1 Cycle parking requirements and design standards for Cycle Parking are set out at the end
of this document. Whilst there may be some flexibility permitted, new development will
normally be expected to meet these standards which will be applied as a minimum
standard.

4.2 In most cases, it will be expected that cycle parking will be provided on the site of the
development. Exceptionally, there may be occasions where it is inappropriate to provide
cycle parking on the site of the development. Shared facilities for a number of
developments may be provided. In this instance, an agreed alternative location shall be
provided, or commuted sum for such provision made. Other facilities to encourage
cycling will also be sought including secure cycle lockers, shower facilities etc (see
Appendix 2).

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5 Other Standards

Motorcycle Parking

5.1 In addition to adequate cycle parking facilities, provision should be made specifically for
the parking of motorcycles in all non-residential developments. These should be located
close to pedestrian access points. Design Guidance regarding the layout of motorcycle
parking spaces is included at the end of this document.

Taxis and Passenger Service Vehicles

5.2 In appropriate circumstances, particularly in relation to large retail, leisure and health
facilities, the Council will ensure that there is provision for taxi waiting/dropping
off/picking up areas. In addition the Council may require similar facilities for Passenger
Service vehicles, including the provision for the longer term parking of such vehicles.

Design of Spaces

CARS

5.3 Dimensions of 2.4 m x 4.8 m for normal parking spaces and 5.2 m x 2.8 m for a garage
space (measured internally) are recommended.

5.4 Where a garage driveway is provided for the parking of cars, the distance from the face
of the garage to:
a) the highway boundary shall be at least 6 metres
b) the carriageway edge on accessways shall be at least 7 metres.

LORRIES

5.5 Lorry parking spaces should be a minimum of 16m x 3m. The parking area should
include space for turning and manoeuvring.

5.6 Lorry parking spaces may be relaxed where there is little likelihood of large vehicles
being attracted to the premises.

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6 Definitions

gfa Gross floor area: The total floor area calculated from the external dimensions of all
the buildings on the site, and including passages, stairwells, toilets
etc. Plant rooms are excluded for the purposes of calculating car
parking spaces.

Pfa Public Floor Area: The area to which the general public normally has access but
excluding toilets and washrooms.

On-site Parking: Parking to be provided in or immediately adjacent to any new

building.

FTE: Full time equivalent

Hotels and Guest houses: For the purposes of these standards, the Council will use the
following guidance to determine the difference between a hotel
and a guest house. An hotel shall have a minimum of 6
bedrooms, a restaurant or similar eating area, provides dinner for
residents and their guests, has a lounge or sitting area and a
residential liquor licence.
(Source: New Harmonised Standards for Serviced Accommodation in
England, ETB)

COM: Considered on the individual merits of a scheme.

Consulting rooms: This includes nurses treatment rooms as well as consultants,

doctors etc.

Parking Space: This includes car ports, driveways and hard standings.

7 Contacts

Planning Division - 01344 351181

Access Officer - 01344 351146.
Crime Prevention Design Adviser (Berks) P.C. Dave Stubbs 01635 295156
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Parking Standards
___________________________________________________________________________________

Applicants are advised to read the notes preceding these standards. Unless otherwise stated,
these standards are a maximum standard.

Business Parking Standards

B1 a and b - Office and high tech/research (also unfettered B1)

1 space per 25 sq m gfa

Lorries - COM

B1c Light Industrial

Up to 235 sq m gfa - 1 space per 25 sq m gfa

Additional floorspace - 1 space per 50 sq m
Lorries - COM

B2 Industrial

Up to 235 sq m gfa - 1 space per 25 sq m gfa

Additional floorspace - 1 space per 50 sq m gfa
Lorries - Minimum of 1 space. 1 per 500 sq m gfa

B8 Storage and Warehousing

Up to 235 sq m gfa - 1 space per 25 sq m gfa

Additional floorspace - 1 space per 200 sq m gfa.
Lorries - 1 minimum.
Up to 2000 sq m 1 per 500 sq m gfa.
Over 2000 sq m 1 per 1000 sq m gfa

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Shopping Area Uses

A1 Retail

Up to 1,000 sqm 1 space per 30 sq m gfa

Lorries - COM
1000 sq m - 2000 sqm 1 space per 20 sq m gfa
Lorries - 1 + 1 per 500 sq m gfa
Over 2000 sq m COM
Lorries - 1 per 1000 sq m gfa

Non-food retail warehouses

Less than 1000 sq m gfa 1 space per 30 sq m gfa
Lorries - as for shop devt above
Over 1000 sq m gfa 1 space per 20 sq m gfa
Lorries - 1 per 500 sq m gfa

A2 Financial and Professional Services

As for A1 developments

A3 Food and Drink Premises

Restaurants and cafes 1 space per 5 sq m gfa

Public houses and 1 space per 3 sq m bar floor

other licensed premises area available to the public.

Local Centres

Where there is a proposal for a change of use between A1/A2/A3 or a proposed infill
development, these standards may be relaxed where it can be shown that there is
sufficient public parking provision on or off - street in the immediate area.

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Residential Premises

C1 Hotels/Motels

staff COM
residents 1 space per bedroom
staff accommodation 1 space per unit of accommodation
facilities for non-residents
e.g. restaurants/bars/lounges etc. 1 space per 5 sq m nfa

Facilities should be provided within the site for the loading, unloading and manoeuvring
of delivery vehicles.

C1 Boarding Houses/Guest Houses/Hostels

staff (FTE) 1 space per staff member

residents 1 space per bedroom

C2 Residential Institutions

Residential Schools - see Educational Facilities below.

Hospitals & Clinics

staff 1 space per 2 employees

patients and visitors 1 space per 3 beds

Nursing homes 1 space per 4 residents

C3 Dwellings

Parking Guidance for dwellings is produced separately.

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Non Residential Institutions and Assembly & Leisure

D1 – Non-residential Institutions

Places of Worship 1 space per 10 sq m gfa

Libraries 1 space per 30 sq m gfa

Surgeries (Doctors and Dentists)

staff 1 space per staff member

patients and visitors 3 spaces per consulting room (to include
nurses treatment rooms)

Additional functions such as pharmacy should be considered separately and an appropriate

Standard applied.
Nursery, playgroup, creche
staff (FTE) 1 space per staff member

Primary Schools
staff (FTE) 1 space per staff member
visitors minimum of 3 spaces

Secondary Schools

staff (FTE) 1 space per staff member

visitors minimum 8 spaces

Note: For each facility provision should be made for the dropping off, waiting for and picking
up of pupils by car and coach as appropriate. This shall include a facility for vehicles to
turn without reversing. In a situation where the principle of access is acceptable but on-
street parking is not, additional on-site parking will be required as follows:
a) nursery with the same period of attendance for all children - 1 per 3 children
b) nursery with varying hours of attendance to suit parent - 1 per 6 children
c) primary and secondary schools - considered on merits

Hard play areas should be sited and constructed with a view to their use as overflow car parks
outside of normal school hours.
Please refer also to paragraphs 2.12 – 2.14 on Green Transport Plans.
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 Further Education

teaching staff (FTE) 1 space per staff member

non-teaching staff 1 space per 1.5 staff members
students and visitors 1 space per 3 students

Halls of Residence

staff 1 space per 2 staff members

students and visitors 1 space per 6 students

D2 - Assembly and Leisure

Places of Public Entertainment 1 space per 5 sq m gfa

Indoor / Outdoor Sports facilities COM

Other Uses

Vehicle Sales
staff (1 space per 2 employees)
buildings (incl. showrooms) COM
outside display 1 space per 10 vehicles

Vehicle Service Stations

staff (1 space per 2 employees)

Vehicle workshops 3 per service bay
Shops over 20 sq m gfa 1 space per 20 sq m gfa

Other e.g. rental services C.O.M.

Note: Where there is to be provision for the servicing of vehicles other than cars each case will
be considered on merit taking into account the type of vehicle to be serviced and nature
of servicing.
The operational area of the forecourt shall be kept free of parked vehicles.
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 Appendix 1
Minimum Cycle Parking Requirements for new Development

Type of Development Appropriate Provision

Residential
Flats 1 space per 2 flats* plus visitors facilities
at 1 per 5 flats.
Student Halls of Residence 1 space per 8 residents

Employment Premises
Offices, factories, warehousing, research 1 space per 200 sq m
etc

Retail
Large Retail (superstores, shopping 1 space per 250 sq m gfa
centres etc)
Other Retail 1 space per 250 sq m gfa

Recreation
Leisure Centres 1 space per 8 car spaces
Theatres and Cinemas 1 space per 25 sq m floor area

Community Facilities
Hospitals & health centres 1 space per 8 staff
1 space per 15 beds
Libraries 1 space per 250 sq m gfa
Schools – Primary 1 space per 25 staff & pupils
Secondary 1 space per 15 staff & pupils
Colleges/Universities 1 space per 25 staff & students

Transport Interchanges
Rail Stations 5 spaces per peak period train
Bus Stations 2 spaces per hundred peak period
passengers
Source: Cycling in Berkshire, 1998
* Parking for residents of flats should be provided within a secure location.

Other uses
Cycle parking for other uses not listed above shall be considered on their merits.

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 Appendix 2
Design Guidance on Cycle and Motorcycle Parking

The following principles will be applied to cycle parking provision:

Visitors/customers cycle parking should be secure and in convenient locations as close to
the entrance or pedestrian access points of a building as possible. In some instances, the
Council will encourage provision of cycle lockers or supervised cycle parking provision in
order that cyclists can store accessories such as panniers, lights etc.
Employees cycle parking may be located to the side or rear of the building. The provision
of showers and changing facilities for employees, will be expected together with secure
lockers for the storage of clothing, cycle helmets, panniers and any other removable cycle
equipment.
Where cycle parking is to be provided which serves visitors to a centre generally, rather
than a specific building, the provision of a proportion of more secure parking such as
cycle parking lockers will be sought. These are particularly useful for medium and long
term use at places such as railway stations and near public buildings.
Short term cycle parking shall be of a type which provides for the cycle frame to be lent
against a stand such as a hoop stand (e.g. “Sheffield Stand”).
Stands should not be positioned in line of any pedestrian movement.
Stands should be located where frequent surveillance is possible.
Stands should be protected from the weather, particularly where they are likely to be
parked for long periods.
The location of bicycle stands should be clearly signposted.
Details of spacing and layout should be in accordance with the Cycle Touring Clubs’
Technical Note on Cycle Parking. This is available from:
Cycle Touring Club
Cotterell House
69 Medrow
Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3HS Tel. 01483 417217

Motorcycle Parking Standards

Each motorcycle bay should be 1.5m wide x 2.8m deep.
Across the short side and 300mm in from the far end should be secured a hoop
with the top rail 600mm above ground.
The hoop should be 60mm in diameter galvanised mild steel with a 10mm
diameter, high tensile of stainless steel cable running loosely through it and
secured at the base of each leg.
Motorcycle parking bays should be well signed, visible, well lit and away from
trees.
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