KICC CAR PARKING SURVEY ‘FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED’
The car parking survey submitted in support of KICC’s application is fundamentally flawed in a number of material areas, says the council officers report.
No assessment has been made of the impact of the proposal at times when events are held in Crystal Palace park.
These events can attract very large crowds and require special event management strategies, which is likely to include controlling on-street parking around the park.
“This impact would extend to the capacity of public transport to accommodate the cumulative demand.
The assessment of vehicular traffic has been made by assuming the level of attendance as advised by KICC, and averaging around Sunday 400 and on Tuesdays 250.
“But it is noted that the capacity of the venue greatly exceeds this and the lower tier of the auditorium does not feature fixed seating, giving rise to the possibility of a greater attendance in addition to the other facilities and rooms within the building.
“Given that the majority of the intended congregation at Church Road will be transferred from an existing venue some eight miles away across South London, it is likely and reasonable to assume that a large proportion of attendees will be travelling significant distances from other areas and from outside of Crystal Palace’s immediate catchment.
“Concern is raised that there is insufficient parking capacity in the area and the proposed change of use will give rise to traffic congestion on the local highway network.
“The applicant has held two conference events at 25 Church Road since acquiring the building, one of which generated almost 1500 attendees which is well in excess of the figures which have been used for the purpose of the transport assessment.
“These events have resulted in congestion to the local highway network as reported by local residents and highways officers.
“Highways officers have cast doubt on the robustness of the assessment and the capacity of the venue must be taken as an expected figure of attendance.
HIGHWAYS / PARKING
The applicant states that four mini buses can be accommodated at the rear car park accessed from Milestone Road via an unmade narrow driveway, and passengers would be dropped off and picked up from the rear.
“TfL have commented that when in use, the car park blocks two fire exits and a fire assembly point.
“It is therefore not acceptable to consider this a suitable, formalised car park.
“Further to this, photos have been provided detailing dropping off taking place on Church Road disabled bays and then parked also elsewhere.
“This shows that suitable parking arrangements have not been arranged for the mini buses, a significant part of the proposal’s expected modal split.
“It is feared that this activity will continue with no proposals for the car park.
“Furthermore, the applicant has not addressed the frequency of other service vehicles using the rear driveway.
“Both rear and front access for deliveries are extremely limited and narrow rear access way, over which the residents of Milestone Road /Patterson Road have the right to pass and repass would be hindered by minibuses.
TfL (Transport for London) say the management of dropping off and picking up also raises concerns due to the expected number of visitors and percentage arriving by car.
Any traffic created is likely to affect the area given the one way and single lane strategic route as it is in close proximity and is unlikely to be successfully mitigated by unqualified marshals.
While issues identified in its current use appear to be addressed in the proposal’s transport assessment and addendum these have not been fully mitigated to a level deemed acceptable by TfL, the report adds.
“TfL would not recommend approval given the transport issues highlighted however it should be explored by the borough and its highways department as to whether these issues can be suitably mitigated through conditions or a review process.”
