Parking dilemma

COMPANIES that fail to provide adequate parking in developments in Singleton's central business district are leaving the shire council with a big bill, according to the council's former works manager, Greg McTaggart.

The current requirement of $5738 for each space not provided by developers should be increased to at least $15,000, Mr McTaggart said in a submission considered by councillors on Monday night.

Council planner Ken Horner said the situation was being reviewed and a report would be presented to councillors next year.

Mr McTaggart, who retired this year, was the only person to respond in writing to the public exhibition of the council's draft development contribution plan.

He said the current policy favoured developers and did not cover the costs of buying land and building a car park.

"There have been too many developments in the past that haven't provided sufficient parking," Mr McTaggart's submission said.

"Requirements for car parking for the Gowrie [supermarket] development, for example, is one car-parking space per 40 square metres of gross leased floor area."

Neighbouring councils required one car space for every 15 square metres of gross leased floor area.