Bristol office agents are warning that development in north Bristol – the region’s most successful out-of-town office area – could be killed off by proposals in South Gloucestershire council’s local plan to cut the parking ratio by over half..
The new local plan proposes a parking ratio of one car space for each 70 sq m (753 sq ft) of gross office development in north Bristol. The current ratio is one space for every 20 sq m (215 sq ft). The business sector and the public have until 6 November to comment on the local plan, which goes on deposit next week.
Jeremy Richards of King Sturge said: “It’s a very draconian measure. The government’s own guidance in PPG 13 is for one space per 35 sq m of office development. If this ratio is adopted it will make office development in north Bristol unworkable. The buildings would be unlettable.”
David Skinner, development director of Chesterton, described the proposal as “unsustainable”. He said: “Until there is a viable public transport system for north Bristol this measure cannot work.”
Simon Price of Alder King claims the proposal forms part of a wider strategy. “South Gloucestershire council believes there has been over-development and it wants to push future office development into other areas. The council is already trying to insert this ratio into planning agreements for new office developments.”
The council’s measure – if adopted – is expected to boost office sites that already have consent, such as Aztec West and Bristol Business Park, and to push up rents. Office supply within the north Bristol market is already at an all-time low.
EGi News 29/09/00
