Scottish planning policy

Policy statement on how nationally important land use planning matters should be addressed across the country.

Annex B - Parking Policies and Standards

Parking Restraint Policy - National Maximum Parking Standards for New Development

In order to achieve consistency in the levels of parking provision for specific types and scales of development, the following national standards have been set:

• retail (food) (Use Class 1) 1000m2 and above - up to 1 space per 14m2;
• retail (non-food) (Use Class 1) 1000m2 and above - up to 1 space per 20m2;
• business (Use Class 4) 2500m2 and above - up to 1 space per 30m2;
• cinemas (Use Class 11a) 1000m2 and above - up to 1 space per 5 seats;
• conference facilities 1000m2 and above - up to 1 space per 5 seats;
• stadia 1500 seats and above - up to 1 space per 15 seats;
• leisure (other than cinemas and stadia) 1000m2 and above - up to 1 space per 22m2; and
• higher and further education (non-residential elements) 2500m2 and above - up to 1 space per 2 staff plus 1 space per 15 students.

Local standards should support the viability of town centres. Developers of individual sites within town centres may be required to contribute to the overall parking requirement for the centre in lieu of individual parking provision.

Parking for Disabled People - Minimum Provision Standards for New Development

Specific provision should be made for parking for disabled people in addition to general provision. In retail, recreation and leisure developments, the minimum number of car parking spaces for disabled people should be:

• 3 spaces or 6% (whichever is greater) in car parks with up to 200 spaces; or
• 4 spaces plus 4% in car parks with more than 200 spaces.

Employers have a duty under employment law to consider the disabilities of their employees and visitors to their premises. The minimum number of car parking spaces for disabled people at places of employment should be:

• 1 space per disabled employee plus 2 spaces or 5% (whichever is greater) in car parks with up to 200 spaces; or
• 6 spaces plus 2% in car parks with more than 200 spaces.