U-turn on plan for car-free new-build estates

Updated plans, that would have removed car parking on some new build developments, have been withdrawn after pressure from developers.

Oxfordshire County Council had introduced an updated policy, that would mean new housing developments, with good public transport links and walkable local facilities, would be "car free," including the absence of garages and driveways.

But developers and land owners have written to the council, criticising the policy as a "barrier to growth and success."

Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport, said a new policy would be created alongside partners, "capable of effective implementation through the planning system."

The updated "parking standards for new developments" policy was approved in April. It supported the council's drive to reduce car use and help the council reach environmental targets, including replacing or removing one out of every four car trips in Oxfordshire by 2030.

It meant more new developments came under the car free policy, where no car parking spaces are provided, other than those reserved for people with disabilities and car clubs.

It would have been for estates with "excellent" local walking and cycling routes as well as being within 600m walking distance of frequent bus services or 1000m to frequent rail services.

The proximity to local supermarkets, schools and health care services was also a consideration, with the length of walking distance extended under the new policy.

A further "car light" policy was also introduced, reducing the number of spaces available on an estate.

But in a letter from the director of Savills, David Jackson, and counter signed by Bellway Homes Ltd, Catesby Estates, Dorchester Residential Management and Greencore Homes - as well as seven University of Oxford colleges - the plans were described as a "barrier to growth and success".

Jackson wrote that "homes without parking provision are simply not attractive to many purchasers" adding it would have a "significant adverse impact on the ability of housebuilders to viably deliver new homes."

He particularly highlighted the need of health workers, trades people and delivery drivers to own and park their cars close to where they live.

The county council has now withdrawn the policy.

The lead member for transport at Oxfordshire County Council, Gareth Epps, said "if every new development is designed around the assumption that car ownership and car use should continue to grow unchecked, congestion will simply get worse and journeys will become less reliable for everyone."

"However, it's essential that our approach commands broad support and can be delivered successfully in practice," he added.