Home » Living » Planning & building » Planning policy » Archived documents » Planning Policies » Car Parking

Car Parking Standards

Adopted Unitary Development Plan

Download the area diagram

Introduction

In the space of one generation the motor car has become one of the major means of mass transport, available to about one half of the households in the city*. Whilst the increase in car ownership has done much to improve personal mobility, there is growing concern over the environmental and health implications of increased car usage especially in urban areas.

Recent national planning policy guidance on transport (PPG13 March 1994) recognises the importance of an effective transport system for the local and national economy but stresses the need to manage demand and reduce the need for travel, especially by car, and to provide for alternative modes of transport, particularly public transport and cycling. Many older developments do not cater adequately for the car, which sometimes results in the creation of nuisance to neighbours (both commercial and residential) and traffic hazards. It is therefore desirable that adequate provision for the parking of cars, to meet minimum operational requirements, is made within all new developments.

It is the purpose of these car parking standards to indicate the level of parking provision which is considered to be 'adequate', and therefore required, in a wide range of developments, and to ensure that car parking spaces are provided in convenient and safe locations.

Considerations

Obviously, circumstances differ, and in certain situations less or more parking spaces than the standards indicate, may be justified, for example, where a development is well served by public transport then a lower requirement may be appropriate. The standards will therefore be applied flexibly. The categories of development reflect but do not include all the types of uses contained in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. Where a standard does not appear for a particular development, the car parking requirements will be assessed on an individual basis. However, where it is felt that a reduction in the quoted standard is appropriate, the Planning Authority will be mindful of the fact that the applicants will, in all probability, not be the only occupiers of the premises in their lifespan and that future occupiers may well require a greater parking provision. It should be remembered that most buildings erected today will still be standing in 50 to 100 years.

As well as providing the 'right' number of parking spaces, it is equally important to ensure that they are provided in a convenient location, to ensure that they are used. Parking spaces should be of a minimum size of 2.4m by 4.8m. Details of spacings and layouts are shown at the back of this document. It is important to stress that even though a proposed scheme may incorporate the 'right' number of parking spaces, planning permission may be refused if they are not laid out to a satisfactory standard or are located in a manner which may mean they are unused or misused, or may give rise to dangerous parking on the highway.

When applying for planning permission, the layout of car parking areas should be clearly indicated on the submitted plans. Large unrelieved parking areas will not normally be acceptable. Large car parks should be broken up with landscaping (to include tree and shrub planting). In larger car parks consideration should also be given to the marking of circulation routes through the car park to aid drivers who might otherwise become 'lost' and disorientated. The Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988, allows a degree of interchangeability between certain classes of development without the need to apply for planning permission. These tolerances are subject to a number of limitations, including a restriction on the size of premises. Where appropriate the car parking standards reflect this interchangeability in terms of a lower or higher standard. Where this type of development is approved, it may be subject to conditions restricting movement between the use classes where the standards cannot be met.

There may be occasions where the reliance on an element of on-street parking provision within the vicinity of the site may be acceptable. For example, where a proposal relates to a property that does not have any off-street parking but which has been in commercial use for a number of years. Where an applicant or developer can demonstrate to the City Council that on-street parking would not have an adverse effect on highway safety or residential amenity, such provision will normally be taken into account in the assessment of the overall parking demand.

Special Cases

Generally, these standards will apply as equally to applications for change of use as to new developments. However, where it is not possible to meet the standard quoted, or in special cases where it is not desirable (e.g. in Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings, where meeting the full requirement would be detrimental to wider planning interests), a lower standard of parking provision may be agreed by the Council.

This would depend on such factors as the level of under-provision proposed and the impact this might have on highway safety, the effect of parking provision on the quality of the local environment, and the extent to which the proposed development is well served by public transport. Another area where the standards may be applied more flexibly is in town centres. Most of the town centres in the city enjoy ample parking in convenient locations, as well as good accessibility to public transport services. This must obviously be taken into account when considering the need for on-site parking in connection with development proposals.

Servicing

This policy relates to the car parking provision required in new developments. In addition to this, adequate servicing provision will be required to meet the foreseeable demand created by the development (e.g. in industrial areas, suitable lorry turning, parking and unloading space etc).

Disabled Persons

Developers should note that under the terms of the Disabled Persons Act 1981, it is necessary to make appropriate provision for access for the disabled (including parking provision) to:

• all buildings or premises to which the public are to be admitted (by payment or otherwise)
• offices, shops and railway premises and
• factories

The needs of disabled drivers differ to other users, for example, wider parking bays may be needed to allow car doors to be opened wide for wheelchair access etc. Parking spaces for the disabled also need to be conveniently sited for access to the building/premises without intervening steps or stairs. Responsibility for ensuring the provision of such facilities lies with the developer. The City Council recommends that at least 1 in 20 spaces is devoted to disabled drivers.

* Households within the city with one or more cars = 52% (approx).  Source - 1991 Census.

Standards

1 Class A1 - Retail Uses

(A) New Build (Single Units) Below 500 sq.m:

• 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time
• 1 customer space/100 sq.m. of gross floor space
• 1 space/residential unit attached to the shop unit

(B) New Build (Single Units) 500 - 1,000 sq.m:

i) Food Retail:

• 1 space for staff and customers/30 sq.m. gross floor space

ii) Non-Food Retail:

• 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time
• 1 customer space/50 sq.m. of gross floor space

(C) New Build (Single Units) More than 1,000 sq.m:

i) Food Retail:

• 1 space for customers and staff/10 sq.m. gross floor space

ii) Non-Food Retail (e.g. D.I.Y.):

• 1 space for customers and staff/20 sq.m. gross floor space. Consideration may be given to a relaxation of this standard for carpet or furniture units, or similar uses given their normally lower parking demands. If a relaxed standard is applied, the granting of planning permission may be subject to a condition or legal agreement restricting uses that would normally require a higher standard

(D) New Build Units Within Existing District Centres or Local Centres:

As above, although consideration will be given to the availability of spaces in public car parks.

(E) 'Stand Alone' Out-of-Town Retail Complexes:

Individual consideration, but as a guide the standards applied above in (A) to (D) will normally be applied.

(F) Change of Use of Existing Premises: Individual consideration having regard to the scale, location, type of property, likely parking demand, proximity of public transport facilities and public car parks. As a guide the standards applied above in (a) and (b) will normally be applied.

2 Class A2 - Financial and Professional Services - i.e., services provided to visiting members of the public and other services which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area (e.g. Banks, Building Societies, Betting Offices, Estate Agents).

(A) New Build (Single Units) Below 500 sq.m:

• 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time
• 1 customer space/100 sq.m. of gross floor space

(B) New Build (Single Units) 500 - 1,000 sq.m:

• 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time
• 1 customer space/50 sq.m. of gross floor space

(C) New Build (Single Units) More than 1,000 sq.m:

• 1 space for staff and customers/30 sq.m. of gross floor space

(D) New Build Units Within Existing District Centres or Local Centres:

As above, although consideration will be given to the availability of spaces in public car parks.

(E) Change of Use of Existing Premises:

Individual consideration having regard to scale, location, type of property, likely parking demand and proximity of public transport. As a guide the standards applied to new build A2 units will normally be applied.

3 Class A3 Uses

Any use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises or hot food for consumption off the premises. (e.g. cafes, hot food take-aways, restaurants, snack bars, wine bars and public houses).

(A) Consumption of Food or Drink on the Premises:

i) Within District or Local Centres: Individual consideration having regard to the availability of accessible public car parking.

ii) Elsewhere Within the City:

• 1 space/unit of residential accommodation
• 1 space for non-residential staff and customers/5 sq.m. of net public area (excludes toilets, storage and other ancillary areas)

(B) Consumption of Hot Food Off the Premises:

i) Within District or Local Centres: Individual consideration having regard to the availability of accessible public car parking.

ii) Elsewhere Within the City: Individual consideration for staff and customers.

Notes: In determining planning applications for this type of development, consideration will be given to the availability of on-street parking facilities within the vicinity of the site. Where an applicant can demonstrate that the use of on-street parking requirements will not have an adverse effect on highway safety, or on residential amenity, the provision will be taken into account in the assessment of the overall likely parking requirements for such uses.

4 Class B1 - Business

(A) Office uses other than a use within Class A2 (financial and professional):

i) Inner City Zone (see plan):

• Staff and visitors - 1 space/50 sq.m. gross floor space

Notes: The Inner City Zone lies immediately adjacent to Manchester City Centre and is of a similar character, enjoying the benefits of good accessibility by public transport (rail and bus). In recognition of this fact and in order to ensure the efficient use of land, a lower level of parking provision will apply to the area.

ii) Elsewhere Within the City:

• Staff and visitors 1 space/30 sq.m. gross floor area

(B) Research and development of products or processes (including purpose built free standing facilities, changes of use, and ancillary accommodation over 100 sq.m.):

• Staff and visitors 1 space/30 sq.m. gross floor area

(C) Any industrial process which can be carried out in a residential area without detriment to the amenity of that area by reason of noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, soot, ash, dust or grit:

• Employees and visitors - 1 space/70 sq.m. of gross floor space

Notes: (applies to 4a, b and c above). In the case of a unit with a gross floor space of 235 sq.m. or less, the standard will normally be increased to 1 space/30 sq.m. for staff and visitors. The higher standards may not be imposed where an applicant is prepared to be restricted, by condition to prohibit a change of use which requires a greater amount of parking having due regard to the nature of the business, the site and its location. This restriction reflects the ready interchangeability between Classes B1, B2 and B8 without the need for planning permission, as specified in the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988.

5 Class B2 - General Industrial

Industrial uses other than those falling within Class B1:

• Employees and visitors - 1 space/70 sq.m. gross floor space

Notes: In the case of a use with a gross floor space of 235 sq.m. or less, the standards will normally be increased to 1 space/30 sq.m. for staff and visitors. This higher standard may not be imposed where an applicant is prepared to be restricted by condition to prohibit a change of use which requires a greater amount of parking, having due regard to the nature of the business, the site and its location. This restriction reflects the ready interchangeability between Classes B1, B2 and B8 without the need to apply for planning permission as specified in the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988.

If the development incorporates offices which extend to more than 100 sq.m. gross floor space for an individual unit/user, their parking requirements will be assessed separately. (See Section 4).

6 Class B8 - Storage and Distribution (e.g. Storage or distribution centre but excluding a cash and carry retail warehouse):

• Employees and visitors - 3 spaces per unit, or 1 space/100 sq.m. of gross floor space whichever is the greater

Notes: In the case of a use with a gross floor space of 235 sq.m. or less, the standard will normally be increased to 1 space/30 sq.m. for staff and visitors. This higher standard may not be imposed where an applicant is prepared to be restricted by condition to prohibit a change of use which requires a greater amount of parking, having due regard to the nature of the business, the site and its location. This restriction reflects the ready interchangeability between Classes B1, B2 and B8 as specified in the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988.

If the development incorporates offices which extend to more than 100 sq.m. gross floor space for an individual user/unit, their parking requirements will be assessed separately (See Section 4).

7 Class C1 - Hotels (Including motels, boarding or guest houses):

• Staff - 1 space per unit of staff residential accommodation plus - 1 space per 3 employees (minimum 1 space)
• Customers - 1 space per bedroom plus 1 space/5 sq.m. net public area (e.g. bars, restaurants, conference halls and ancillary facilities)

Notes: Where it is intended to provide a garage or garage space this should be in addition to the standard indicated, and would not count towards this level of provision. (This is required to take account of the need for washing and maintenance of vehicles and because residents seldom wish to drive directly into garages).

8 Class C2 - Residential Institutions

(A) Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes:

• Resident Staff: 1 space/unit of accommodation
• Non resident staff: 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time
• Visitors: 1 space/4 bed spaces

Notes: Where it is intended to provide a garage or garage space this should be in addition to the standard indicated and would not count towards this level of provision. (This is required to take account of the need for the washing and maintenance of vehicles and because residents seldom wish to drive directly into a garage).

(B) Hospitals (excluding nurses homes and hostels):

• Staff - 1 space/doctor, (Including surgeons and consultants) likely to be present at the busiest time, plus
• 1 space/3 other nursing and non-medical staff likely to be present at the busiest time
• 1 space/vehicle based on site
• Out-patients - 1 space/4 cubicles/consulting rooms
• Visitors - 1 space/4 beds

Notes: A lower standard of provision may be acceptable, for example, where there is a significant number of long term patients, or where there is provision for the dual use of such facilities. In general, however, it is desirable to segregate the provision for outpatients and visitors in order to ensure adequate levels of provision are maintained and to facilitate safe and convenient circulation throughout the site.

(C) Residential Schools:

• Staff - 1 space/full time teaching and administrative members
• 1 space/resident staff member
• 1 space/3 other staff
• Visitors - 1 space/10 full time teaching staff

(D) Residential College or Training Centre:

• Staff - 1 space/full time teaching and administrative member
• 1 space/3 other staff
• 1 space/resident staff member
• Students - 1 space/4 students

9 Class C3 - Dwelling Houses

(A) New Build Houses

• Residents - 2 spaces/house

Notes: For highway safety reasons where a garage or garage space is provided, a hardstanding shall also be provided usually in front of the garage and measuring 5.5m (minimum). This hardstanding may be counted as the second parking space.

(B) Houses and Flats with Communal Parking (including all conversions and changes of use):

• Residents and visitors - 1.25 spaces per dwelling (minimum)
• Houses and flats with more than 3 bedrooms - 2 spaces/dwelling

Notes: Where it is intended to provide a garage or garage space, this should be in addition to the standard indicated and would not count towards this level of provision. (This is required to take account of the need for washing and maintenance of vehicles and because residents seldom wish to drive directly into a garage). Where a high ratio of garage provision is proposed, this requirement will be applied flexibly.

(C) Housing for the Elderly:

i) Old persons flats and houses with no warden (Local Authority and Housing Association Schemes where control of over occupancy can be assured):

• Residents - 1 space/10 dwellings
• Visitors - 1 space/4 dwellings

Notes: Where it is intended to provide a garage or garage space, this should be in addition to the standard indicated and would not count towards this level of provision. (This is required to take account of the need for washing and maintenance of vehicles and because residents seldom wish to drive directly into a garage). Where a high ratio of garage provision is proposed, this requirement will be applied flexibly.

ii) Sheltered Housing with warden (Local Authority and Housing Associations):

• Resident staff - 1 space/unit
• Non resident staff - 1 space/3 members employed at the busiest time
• Residents - individual consideration
• Visitors - 1 space/4 bed spaces

Notes: Where it is intended to provide a garage or garage space, this should be in addition to the standard indicated and would not count towards this level of provision. (This is required to take account of the need for washing and maintenance of vehicles and because residents seldom wish to drive directly into a garage). Where a high ratio of garage provision is proposed, this requirement will be applied flexibly.

iii) Owner Occupier Retirement Homes with/without warden where control over occupancy can be assured by condition or legal agreement:

• Resident staff - 1 space/unit
• Non resident - 1 space/3 members of staff employed at the busiest time
• Residents and visitors - 2 spaces/3 units of accommodation

Notes: Where it is intended to provide a garage or garage space, this should be in addition to the standard indicated and would not count towards this level of provision. (This is required to take account of the need for washing and maintenance of vehicles and because residents seldom wish to drive directly into a garage). Where a high ratio of garage provision is proposed, this requirement will be applied flexibly.

10 Class D1 - Non Residential Institutions

(A) Provision of Medical or Health Services (e.g. health centres, clinics and surgeries):

• Staff - 1 space/doctor (or dentist, vet, etc) and other professional support staff likely to be present at the busiest time, plus
• 1 space/3 non medical staff (minimum of 1) likely to be present at the busiest time
• Patients - 3 spaces/consulting room

(B) Crèche, Day Nursery or Day Centre:

• Staff - 1 space/3 full time equivalent members

Notes: Whilst no standard is imposed with respect to visitors, it is expected that an on-site picking up/dropping off point for parents' use is provided. Generally as a guide it is expected that 1 space/10 children be provided.

(C) Provision of Education:

(i) Primary Schools

• Staff - 1 space/full time equivalent member of teaching and office staff, plus
• 1 space/3 other (daily) staff, and 1 space/unit of staff residential accommodation

Notes: Whilst no standard is imposed for parents dropping or picking up children, it is, as a guide, expected that a minimum of 1 space/10 children be provided within the site. The layout should allow for the dual use of playgrounds for major events, such as parents evenings, open days, etc.

(ii) Secondary Schools

• Staff - 1 space/full time equivalent member of teaching and office members, plus
• 1 space/3 other (daily) staff, and 1 space/unit of accommodation
• Visitors/Pupils - 1 space/200 pupils, or 1 space/4 pupils (over the age of 17), whichever is the greater

Notes: The layout should allow for the dual use of playgrounds for major events (eg. parents evenings, open day etc).

(iii) Colleges of Further Education:

• Staff - 1 space/full time equivalent member of teaching and office staff, plus
• 1 space/3 other (daily) staff (e.g. dinner staff, technicians), and 1 space/unit of staff residential accommodation
• Students and visitors - 1 space/4 people during normal day time use, or 1 space/2 people (i.e., evening classes), whichever is the greater

(D) Use of Premises for the Display of Works of Art, as a Museum, Public Library or Reading Room:

• Staff - 1 space/3 employees
• Residential staff - 1 space/unit of accommodation
• Customers and visitors - 1 space/50 sq.m. of gross floor area

(E) Use of Premises for Purpose of Public Halls or Exhibition Halls:

• Staff - 1 space/3 employees
• Visitors - 1 space/10 sq.m. of publicly accessible floor area

(F) Use of Premises for Public Worship or Religious Instruction:

• Resident Clergy or other staff - 1 space/unit of residential accommodation
• Congregation - 1 space/6 seats

11 Class D2 - Assembly and Leisure

(A) Premises used as a cinema, a concert hall, a bingo hall or casino:

• Staff - 1 space/3 members of staff present at the busiest time
• Patrons - 1 space/5 seats

Notes: Where such uses are located in or adjacent to town, district or local centres consideration will be given to the availability and accessibility of public car parks.

(B) Premises used as a dance hall:

• Staff and customers - 1 space/5 sq.m. of publicly accessible floor area

(C) Premises used as swimming baths, skating rink, gymnasium or area for other indoor or outdoor sports or recreation, not involving motorised vehicles or firearms.

• Staff - 1 space/unit of residential accommodation, and 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time (minimum of one space)
• Customers/Players:
  - Swimming pools - 1 space/10 sq.m. of pool surface area
  - Skating Rink - 1 space/10 sq.m. of ice rink area
  - Squash/tennis/badminton courts 4 spaces/court
  - Football/rugby/cricket pitches 1 space/2 players and officials
  - Bowling Alley - 2 spaces/bowling lane
  - Sports hall/indoor dry sports area not included above - 1 space/20 sq.m. of public area (excluding changing rooms and circulation areas)
  - Bar areas: 1 space/5sq.m. of publicly accessible area

Notes: The standard for each of the headings will be added together where appropriate where facilities provide a mix of uses. Where it can be demonstrated that the peak demand times will not coincide, and therefore an element of dual use of space can be expected, or where other local circumstances apply, lower parking standards may be acceptable.

12 Sui Generis Uses (i.e. those that do not fall in any specific use class):

(A) Car Sales Premises:

• Staff - 1 space/member of staff
• Customers - 1 space/100 sq.m. of indoor show area, plus
• 1 space/50 sq.m. open display area

(B) Car and Van Hire Booking Office

• Staff - 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time and 1 space/private hire vehicle
• Customers - a minimum of two spaces

(C) Amusement Arcades:
Apply standards used in Section 1 - Retailing.

(D) Launderettes:
Apply standards used in Section 1 - Retailing.

(E) Theatres:

• Staff - 1 space/3 employees present at the busiest time
• Patrons - 1 space/5 seats

(F) Cash and Carry Retail Warehouses (Trade Only):

• Staff and customers - 1 space/35 sq.m. of gross floor space

This page was last updated on 21 March 2006

• Planning Policies
• The Development Plan
• Chapel Street
• Car Parking
• Ellesmere Park
• Encouraging better design
• Local Development Framework
• Supplementary Planning Documents
• Supplementary Planning Guidance