Decision details

The purpose of the decision is:

• to allow a comprehensive review of parking standards and their wider policy framework; and
• to ensure continuity in the provision of planning and highway advice pending completion of that review.

The Chief Executive has determined that the Updates to Parking Standards for New Developments approved by Cabinet on 21 April 2026 shall cease to be applied by the Council with immediate effect.

The Chief Executive has further determined that:

• The 2026 updates to the Council’s 2022 Parking Standards, which were approved on 21 April 2026, will not be applied.
• The Council will undertake a further review in light of late submissions received before any future updates are considered and implemented.
• Any future implementation of revised parking standards will require a further formal decision of the Council by Cabinet.
• Pending completion of that review process, the Council will continue to apply the Parking Standards adopted in October 2022.

There are no direct financial commitments arising from this decision.

Submissions have been received from stakeholders and several of Oxfordshire’s Local Planning Authority’s raising concerns over the guidance.

The Chief Executive is satisfied that withdrawal of the April 2026 updates to the Parking Standards is a proportionate and appropriate response to the submissions received post the Cabinet decision of 21^st April 2026 and it will allow the Council to reconsider the Updates to Parking Standards for New Developments.

For the avoidance of doubt, this decision concerns only the withdrawal of the April 2026 updates to the Parking Standards for Residential Developments.

Option 1 – Continue to apply the April 2026 Parking Standards

Rejected.

This option would be inconsistent with the Council’s approach to endeavour to consider all relevant consultation responses (as and when received).