Councillor John Stephens (Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport) introduced the City Centre Carparking report and discussed:

a)     The briefing paper provided insights into ongoing efforts and the landscape of city centre parking as Plymouth undergoes significant growth and transformation;

b)    The essential role of car parking services in supporting the delivery of key public services;

c)     Updates on utilisation and the summary outcome of a previous demand and utilisation analysis commissioned from WSP on future growth and demand;

d)    Collaboration with Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to develop a detailed master plan for the city centre, assessing the impacts of growth and new homes on the transport network and parking, and informing an integrated transport and parking strategy;

e)     Continued support for public transport viability and events across the city;

f)      Commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction through investment in electric vehicle charging facilities, including updates on EV charger installation and structural assessments of car parks to accommodate heavier electric vehicles;

g)     Customer experience improvements and accessibility initiatives, such as wider parking bays and dedicated spaces for individuals with hidden disabilities.

Andy Sharp (Interim Service Director for Street Scene and Waste) added:

a)     The recommendations sought endorsement for developing an integrated transport and parking strategy, not detailed plans;

b)    The work was linked to a significant opportunity arising from the £4.4 billion defence investment and the creation of 10,000 homes, which would reshape the city centre and waterfront;

c)     External expertise was being commissioned to develop the master plan, and consultation with elected members and the public would be a strong aspect of the process;

d)    The integrated strategy would ensure transport and parking were considered as part of wider redevelopment plans.

Mike Artherton (Parking and Marine Manager) added:

e)     Car park utilisation trends remained largely consistent with previous reports, with no significant reductions observed;

f)      Some areas were showing growth, and patterns of use reflected the established purpose and visitor types for each car park;

g)     The data included in the report was similar to last year’s findings, indicating stability in usage.

In response to questions, the Panel discussed:

h)    Whether lower demand at certain car parks was influenced by public realm improvements and perceptions of disruption due to construction works in the city centre;

i)      Concerns about conflating car parking usage with wider city centre redevelopment and master planning work, and reservations about endorsing a strategy without sufficient detail;

j)      The need for early and meaningful public consultation on master planning principles to avoid perceptions of a “done deal” and ensure genuine engagement;

k)     The scale of proposed redevelopment, including references to media images of high-rise developments, and the importance of understanding potential impacts on existing car parks and retail viability;

l)      The historical context of Plymouth’s post-war redevelopment and the need to avoid repeating mistakes by ensuring a vibrant, mixed-use city centre with residential presence;

m)   Officers reiterated that recommendations were for developing an integrated strategy, not approving detailed plans, and confirmed that consultation would be integral;

n)    Members stressed that transport strategy must encompass all modes of travel, including walking, cycling, and public transport, alongside car parking provision;

o)    The importance of cross-panel and whole-council involvement in shaping the redevelopment strategy, recognising that the issue spans housing, transport, environment, and growth;

p)    Agreement that scrutiny should begin with this committee but extend to wider membership and potentially the Scrutiny Management Board to coordinate cross-cutting issues;

q)    Officers confirmed that the Natural Infrastructure and Growth Panel would have a key role given its remit for transport policies and strategies, but acknowledged that housing and delivery aspects also warranted involvement from this committee.

The Panel agreed:

1. To note the car parking report for the previous 12 months;

2. To refer future scrutiny regarding the development of an integrated transport and parking strategy to the Scrutiny Management Board and Natural Infrastructure and Growth Scrutiny Panel, as appropriate.