As advised in the Summer Newsletter, the IOT has submitted a planning application ref. 21/02231/FUL to MK Council. Although supportive of the IOT, BPARA is not satisfied with the lack of parking provision on-site for students. Although BPARA is grateful to the IOT for keeping us informed whilst formulating their plans, we did not realise, until we reviewed the Transport Assessment submitted as part of the planning process, that students (other than those with access needs) are currently not allowed to park on site and that this will also apply to IOT students in the future.
BPARA has expressed it concerns via the IOT Transport Assessment submitted to the MK Council Planning Officer dealing with this application and also shared with Councillors at the Full Meeting of West Bletchley Council (WBC) on 17 August. Councillors discussed the application and resolved that “West Bletchley Council has no objection to this application subject to the College confirming it will review it’s proposed arrangements for onsite parking for students.”
The previous application 19/02698/FUL to site the IOT in D Block at Bletchley Park was refused “Due to the absence of a legal agreement (and planning obligation) securing the off-site car parking provision, it is likely that the development as proposed would result in a shortfall of up to 120 car parking spaces. This shortfall would result in the development contravening the adopted parking standards as presented within the Council’s adopted Parking Standards SPD (2016). Which subsequently, would likely result in unacceptable pressures on the nearby highway network which would have unacceptable implications on both the amenity of nearby occupiers, in addition to the safety of highway users, thereby contravening Policy CT10 of Plan:MK (2019)”.
At the Town Deal Board meeting on 23 March, Delia Shephard, Clerk to Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Council, tabled a motion, which was supported by WBC: “Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council acknowledged the increasing pressure on parking in Bletchley and Fenny Stratford and would ask the Town Deal Board to require its partners to engage with local councils and community representatives at the earliest (pre-planning) stage of concept/site development to ensure that parking needs are given full consideration at the formative stages of all Town Deal development proposals.” At the Town Deal meeting on 6 September, the Chair reminded Alex Warner, IOT Principal, of this requirement. Alex has agreed to discuss the matter at a meeting to be arranged with BPARA.
BPARA is hopeful that the IOT will be able to allocate an acceptable number of the 94 available parking spaces (possibly via permits) to students other than those with access needs.
