Ive been refused a driveway...help!!

spmc

I think I've found where you are on Google Earth - there is a small lay by capable of taking say 3 cars in front. I'm not convinced that it is a lost cause given that the alternative is to park in the lay-by. I'm guessing there is no strategic need for the lay-by and that it is to serve the dwellings.

It would be useful to see some plans of what was submitted but I have been unable to find a planning application on the Derbyshire Dales District Council website - if you have a reference number for the application I will have a look at it.

It might be possible to have a kerb laid between the lay-by and the A515 such that cars are forced to enter and exit the lay-by as they currently do but then to enter drives. If that is not possible it would be a case of setting out an argument that the proposals would be no more dangerous than the existing sutuation. Visibility will be a critical issue and there are a few things to consider

visibility may be better at the exit point of the layby than at the proposed drive location

If a car approaches the A515 perpendicular to the road the standard setback from the main road to the driver (the point at which visibility is measured) is 2.4m although this can be reduced to 2m in some instances.

If a car is parallel or close to parallel with the A515 the driver would be much closer than 2.4m from the A515 and visibility may be better, although it is not straight forward as approaching at an angle requires a driver looking over their shoulder which is not great.

Have there been any accidents in the vicinity of the lay-by in the last 5 years?

This document should be useful background - it is the guidance for trunk roads but highway authorities tend to adopt it for roads such as these. In terms of speaking to anyone you would be best advised to speak direct to Highways Development Control at Derbyshire County Council rather than the planners who will simply defer to the highway engineers.

http://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/vol6/section2/td4195.pdf

elektra-2007

Thank you for your help after much ringing around, ive found out the original application was made with Peak park and then withdrawn because when Highways got involved they said no. Ive spoken to them today about making a through road from the layby, they said they would be reluctant. Their preposal is to build a capark at the other end joining on to the layby, but this is usless to the residents as it will be used by tourists and still dosent keep us away from the road. They have suggested that i now write a letter with sketches and photos and ask them to review the situation. As for accidents there has been quite a few not invloving residents but other motorists waiting to turn into the lane opposite and cars coming round the corner and not having time to brake as they are going to fast. The layby on google earth looks like it will take 3 cars but access to no3 driveway is off the layby there for reducing it to 2 cars, and if you park on the angle your back end sticks into the road!!! I will check out the document and write a letter include some sketches and photos then see if I can get anywhere. Do you think I should get a local councellor involved?

spmc

The adjacent accidents are not helpful but you are still left with the same situation that you are seeking to demonstrate that the proposals are not worse than the existing situation. I would try and arrange to go in and see a highway development control officer at Derbyshire County Council. During a meeting they may let slip something that they might find acceptable. I wouldn't go in and ask what is acceptable as they may simply say nothing. I would talk through your ideas and see what their response is. They might even be willing to meet you on site. My advice would be not to be confrontational and to keep it friendly even if you disagree with what they are saying. I would then follow up the meeting with a letter if you want to pursue the matter which I could review for you if you like. Without seeing the site and looking at scaled plans I cannot say how strong your argument may be but from what I've seen I don't think it's a lost cause.

I'm not sure getting a councillor involved in something like this will be particularly helpful. It will come down to demonstrating that the proposal is not worse in terms of highway safety and in particular visibility. If it is not possible to demonstrate this I cannot see you being successful even with the support of your local councillor.

GSXRCarlos

ormus, i got exactly the same pics and thought they'd have no problem