Hertsmere Borough Council has launched a consultation about proposed new parking standards which will change the number of parking spaces required for housing developments.

Councillors had been concerned that developers were not providing enough parking space.

The previous rules had based spaces on bedrooms per property but rooms that were habitable as bedrooms were being used as studies and gyms. 

The main changes are that six bedroom dwellings will require five car parking spaces per unit.

Houses with additional habitable rooms on upper floors or in the roof space will require one extra car parking space per room above ground level. 

Councillor Dr Harvey Cohen, who is responsible for planning, said: “We know parking can be an issue for our existing and new residents when new developments are built so we are doing all we can to ensure there is adequate provision."

The other changes are that houses with five or more habitable rooms on the ground or lower ground floor with also require one additional car parking space per habitable room.

Flats and bungalows will have specific standards and there will be guidance and encouragement for electric charging points at new developments.  

Councillor Cohen added: “If you have a particular view on the subject, please take a moment to read the proposed changes and give us your views.”

Residents have until January 20 to comment on the consultation which can be found here.