Policy information sourced from the Lewisham Local Plan

TR4 Parking

Strategic Objectives:

H Securing the timely delivery of infrastructure.

A A carefully managed approach to parking, and particularly car parking, will be taken to support the delivery of inclusive, healthy, safe, liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods. In line with the London Plan, car-free development should be the starting point for all development proposals in places that are, or are planned to be well-connected by public transport with developments elsewhere designed to be car-lite,

B Development proposals for car-free development will be supported where they are located in highly accessible and well connected locations. Elsewhere, car-free development will be supported where it can be suitably demonstrated that:

  • The development is appropriately located at a well-connected location with good walking and cycling access to local amenities and services; or
  • The development is appropriately located within an Opportunity Area, Growth Node, Regeneration Node, Growth Corridor or town centre where the Local Plan makes provision for significant public realm enhancements that will bring about attractive conditions for walking and cycling and improve access to local amenities and services; or
  • There is an existing Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), or a future CPZ can be established through planning contributions; or
  • There is sufficient capacity on the public transport network or potential for active travel interventions or implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in the local area to cater to the additional demand arising from the development, taking into account existing and planned transport infrastructure.

C Development proposals must not exceed the maximum car parking standards set out in the London Plan, including for:

  • Residential parking;
  • Office parking;
  • Retail parking; and
  • Hotel and leisure uses parking (including consideration of coach parking).

D Development proposals must make adequate provision for residential and non-residential disabled persons parking, recognising that car-free development has no general parking but should still provide disabled persons parking. All such provision must be in accordance with the relevant London Plan standards and the requirements for design and management of parking bays.

E Development proposals must make provision for high quality and fit-for-purpose cycle parking in accordance with the London Cycle Design Standards. They must meet and wherever possible seek to exceed the minimum cycle parking standards set by London Plan (which for Lewisham are the ‘higher minimum’ standards). This includes sufficient provision of short and long-stay spaces along with spaces to accommodate larger cycles including adapted cycles for disabled people and cargo bikes.

F Major development proposals, development proposals located within town centres and employment areas, or other developments likely to generate a significant number of visitors should integrate dedicated space for cycle hubs to accommodate provision of cycle parking including for cycle hire schemes and space for cargo bikes wherever feasible. Proposals for the comprehensive development of sites, including through masterplans, must demonstrate how they have maximised opportunities to deliver this provision in order encourage and enable cycling.

G The Council will consider the need for CPZs to manage additional or new demand arising from development across the Borough, and will implement these where appropriate.

H In order to manage the parking demand associated with new development the Council will consider on a case-by-case basis whether it is appropriate to require that the development is Permit Free (except for Blue Badge holders). Proposals for new car-free development must be Permit Free.

I Parking Design and Management Plans (PDMPs) must be submitted with development proposals that include parking. PDMPs must also be submitted for development proposals without parking but which are likely to generate a significant demand for parking or impact on existing parking provision.

J Development proposals for residential and commercial uses will be expected to investigate opportunities to implement rapid charging points, having regard to the Council’s Low Emissions Vehicle Charging Strategy.

K Surface-level car parking should be designed to be permeable, with reference to Policy SD8 (Sustainable drainage).

For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan