Driveway Conundrum...

[Mulberry View]

We are getting close to planning submission, our current problem is our visibility from the shared driveway. A pre-plan application was processed about 18 months ago and suggested no issue to the right (the fence is currently 4ft), but to the left, this wall is too high to see over.

 

 

In more recent conversations, the local Highways guy suggested that as long as he can see over it when he comes to check, that will be fine, but of course we don't have anything formal.

 

If you look closely, you'll see a Water Main cover, which sits above the level of the driveway. For reference, this is roughly at the 2.4m setback point and is roughly a metre from the top of the wall. The option to alter the wall has been mooted, but is unlikely. An obvious solution is to add material to the driveway (approximately 150-200mm), bringing it up to about where the Water Main cover is, this can easily be blended out up the drive. However, it will create a bit of a ramp. Presumably, as long as this meets the required gradient specs and is amenable to the driveway land owner, could this be a workable solution?

 

I know there is a finer level of detail around vision splays over private land, is there a chance they might not throw the full book at us for what is a fairly modest development that is otherwise highly inoffensive and unlikely to meet many other objections?

[Oz07]

Is it already used for access?! Difficult to argue against if so

[Mr Punter]

It looks to me like an existing driveway.  Would be different if you were forming a new entrance.

[Mulberry View]

Is currently serves 3 properties. We're planning to add number 4.

[ProDave]

Have you actually asked the wall owner of you can lower the wall?  Don't mention the new dwelling just say you are trying to improve visibility to make it safer. Make it clear you will do or pay for all the work so it will cost them nothing at all.

 

Only if they say no, do you have to get creative.

[Oz07]

I think with regards to access a driveway can serve upto 5 dwelling before the spec needs upping. Check it out I know my last place had this as mine was the 5th

[Mulberry View]

1 hour ago, ProDave said:

Have you actually asked the wall owner of you can lower the wall?  Don't mention the new dwelling just say you are trying to improve visibility to make it safer. Make it clear you will do or pay for all the work so it will cost them nothing at all.

 

Only if they say no, do you have to get creative.

 

That's where we're at. She was on board at first, but now isn't. The wall is in terrible condition too, so would be dicey to alter, we were happy to take it on.