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The changes are being introduced after a new planning document was adopted by councillors at a full council meeting on Tuesday (9 November).
The Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets outs the council's requirements for vehicle and cycle parking at new developments and has been comprehensively reviewed in light of the Climate Emergency and the council's ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Most importantly, all new residential developments will now be required to install suitable cabling and supporting infrastructure to enable the easy installation of domestic EV charge points. Non-residential developments will also need to provide a number of charging points. This will future-proof developments and help support the up-take of electric vehicles in North Somerset.
Much greater emphasis will also be placed on the delivery of car club schemes at new developments. Car clubs can offer residents an attractive and convenient alternative to private vehicle ownership and encourage increased use of public transport, walking and cycling, while still offering access to a car when required.
Cycle parking standards have also been revamped with an increase in the number of cycle parking spaces to be provided at new development as well as requiring a number of non-standard cycle spaces to accommodate people with mobility impairments. This will ensure that cycling in North Somerset is accessible to as many people as possible.
Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for planning said the changes would provide a greater focus on sustainable travel in new developments.
"These changes go someway to the EV provision required for 2030 when all new cars will be electric. It also requires businesses to have a provision for EV charging which is great news."