Page 264 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

Wealden House, Lewes Road, Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead, RH19 3TB

2.0 Policy Context

National Policy

National Planning Policy Framework

2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) July 2018 sets out the Government’s planning policies
for England and how they are expected to be applied.
2.2 Off-street parking provision is referred to by Paragraph 105, which says that, in setting local parking
standards for development, local planning authorities should take into account accessibility; the type,
mix and use of the development; the availability of and opportunities for public transport; local car
ownership levels; and the need to ensure an adequate provision of spaces for charging plug-in and other
ultra-low emission vehicles.

2.3 Paragraph 106 states:
“Maximum parking standards for residential and non-residential development should only be set where
there is a clear and compelling justification that they are necessary for managing the local road
network…”

National Planning Practice Guidance

2.4 On 6 March 2014, the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) launched the National
th
Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) web-based resource. The section entitled ‘Travel Plans, Transport
Assessments and Statements in decision-taking’ describes the overarching principles of the transport
input into a planning application.

2.5 The NPPG explains that a key principle (among others) is that Transport Assessments and Travel Plans
should “be tailored to particular local circumstances”. The guidance also demonstrates that Transport
Assessments/Statements and Travel Plans can positively contribute by lessening traffic generation and
its detrimental impacts.

Local Policy

MSDC District Plan 2018

2.6 Policy DP21 relates to transport and states that decisions on development proposals will take account of
whether, among other things, “the scheme provides adequate car parking for the proposed development
taking into account the accessibility of the development, the type, mix and use of the development and
the availability and opportunities for public transport; and with the relevant Neighbourhood Plan where
applicable.”

2.7 The Policy also requires that development should; (i) avoid severe additional traffic congestion, taking
account of any proposed mitigation, and; (ii) incorporate facilities for charging plug-in and other ultra-
low emission vehicles.

2.8 Policy DP21 adds that Neighbourhood Plans can set local standards for car parking provision, provided
they are based on evidence that provides clear and compelling justification for doing so.

Ashurst Wood Neighbourhood Plan, 2016

2.9 The Ashurst Wood Neighbourhood Plan (March 2016) seeks to “preserve and protect Ashurst Wood’s
characteristics as a rural village, while at the same time ensuring that it remains a vibrant, safe, and
welcoming community, and an attractive location for people to live.”

2.10 Section 3.6 of the Neighbourhood Plan refers to highways and transport and indicates that there are
concerns with on-street parking within the village, alongside pedestrian provision issues with large areas
of the village lacking footway provision.

Appeal Statement: Parking – December 2019
Ashgrove Homes 4
1911051/wheast
Bates No 000263