Object
Publication Plan November 2022
Representation ID: 5016
Received: 21/12/2022
Respondent: Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd
Agent: Lichfields
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
Taylor Wimpey recommends that the Council acknowledges the diversity of different charging speeds depending on the type of vehicle and charging location. At present, there are many different types of EVCP infrastructure depending on the manufacture of the EV. As such, one EVCP may not suit the EV demands of all future residents. This reflects the fact that the EV market is still at a relatively early stage but is becoming increasingly diverse. Moreover, one disadvantage of installing EVCPs across an entire development is that there is a significant level of uncertainty over how much infrastructure will be required by when.
In consideration, Taylor Wimpey considers that a planning policy that requires the provision of underground cabling and/or ducting for an EVCP is put in place. This would allow for the proportional expansion of the charging network in the future as demand grows, with minimal disruption and additional cost for excavation and labour. This would allow residents to easily install the necessary EVCP required to meet their needs as when this is required; a process that does not require planning permission and can be done through Permitted Development Rights (Part 2 Class D & E). Such modified wording would ensure the Policy is justified as per NPPF paragraph 35(b), and “aspirational but deliverable” as per NPPF paragraph 16(b).Taylor Wimpey considers that it would be more appropriate for developments to make provision for appropriate cabling/infrastructure rather than installation of EVCP themselves. This is because this allows future residents to ensure vehicle specific EVCP are installed at the relevant time they take occupation of the house. Fundamentally, it ensures a consistent approach to future-proofing the housing stock and allows the policy to be more flexible as demand and technologies change and improve over time.
It has been acknowledged that the cost of EVCPs has been included within the Council’s Viability Assessment which includes an allowance of £500 per dwelling for an EVCP. However, neither the Viability Assessment nor its Appendix 1 justify this cost. Taylor Wimpey notes that the Government’s estimated cost for the installation of EVCPs is £976 per car parking space for an average home