Four large properties were given approval directly opposite the property two years ago, the visibility was slightly less than ours but the highways authority gave consent based on the fact there had not been any accidents on this stretch.
Here's the highways comments..
The information that was submitted in association with the application has been fully considered by the Highway Authority. The site is situated on a stretch of Road that is subject to a 40-mph speed limit. The current vehicular access serving the host dwelling is gated and has a high sided wooden fence either side of the vehicular access.
From a highway and transportation perspective the impact of the proposal is NOT acceptable to the Highway Authority for the following reasons:
1. The applicant has failed to demonstrate adequate visibility splays from the proposed access in accordance with the speed of the road, to the satisfaction of the Highway Authority. The intensification of the access combined with the lack of such visibility would result in an unacceptable degree of hazard to all highway user to the detriment of highway safety.
2. The proposal would intensify the use of an existing access which has deficiencies in geometric layout and visibility which is not in accordance with current safety standards. The existence of an access in this location is a matter of fact and therefore some degree of conflict and interference to the passage of through vehicles already occurs but the intensification of that conflict and interference which this proposal would engender would be to the detriment of highway safety.
(Continued?)
3. Although a shared parking court/ turning area is provided for the proposed and host dwellings the lack of visitor parking for both properties within the confines of the site will impact on the turning area potentially preventing vehicles from turning and exiting the vehicular access in forward gear or could lead to vehicles being parked on the highway to the detriment of highway safety and efficiency.
Therefore, this proposal is contrary to the Highway Authority's Development Management Policies, adopted as County Council Supplementary Guidance in February 2011.
Informative:
1: The applicant has not demonstrated visibility splays in accordance with those required for the speed of the road. Alternatively, the applicant would need to conduct a speed survey in accordance with CA 185 Vehicle Speed Measurement (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges), to establish the 85th percentile speed of the road and provide visibility splays in accordance. Speed surveys should be taken at the extent of the achievable visibility splays. Visibility splays must be achieved within the limits of public highway and/or land in the control of the applicant. Highway boundary information can be obtained from ============ Clearly if the applicant does commission additional work there is no guarantee that the required standards can be met or that the proposal will be acceptable to the Highway Authority.
2: Any proposed vehicular turning facility, would need to be maintained free from obstruction within the site at all times for that sole purpose.