B5.9 Parking, garages and cycle parking

Parking can play a key role in creating streets and homes that feel both practical and pleasant. When designed with care, parking spaces can blend seamlessly into neighbourhoods, reducing the feeling of car dominance and keeping areas welcoming and lively. Thoughtful placement of garages and parking helps maintain the flow of the street while supporting everyday needs, like visitor access and bike storage. Incorporating modern features such as EV charging encourages sustainable choices, making communities more convenient, and well-connected for the future.

3-D model sketch of a suburban neighbourhood with 2-storey houses. Parking options are highlighted in orange, with numbered annotations from 1 to 4 which expand on the parking options.

Figure 164: Annotated sketch highlighting a variety of residential parking options

  1. Parking to the side of the property: For detached and semi-detached homes, car parking can be accommodated to the side of a property, with spaces ideally positioned between buildings and set back behind the building line.

  2. Parking to the front of the property: Where houses are set back at least 6m from the pavement, front parking can be incorporated, although this should be in runs of no more than 3 consecutive properties.

  3. Parking courts: Well lit and overlooked parking courts may be acceptable, but these should serve no more than 8 properties.

  4. On-street parking: To be in defined bays, interspersed with pavement build outs, planting and street trees to reduce visual dominance.