Will i be able to get a dropped kerb to access a new driveway?

J0nz3y

I have viewed a house which I like to look of, however a big sticking point is the fact the property does not have a driveway and the previous elderly owner never required one, therefore has never applied. Parking can be busy in the area however cars only park on the opposite side of the road of this house. I am worried that an application for a dropped kerb will be rejected as it is on a sweeping bend. I have tried to get in contact with the highways division but can't get an advice from them other than if i submit a full application.

Therefore I would like to know if anyone has had any issues when in a similar situation when applying for a dropped kerb?

Link to photo of proposed location (where pin has been dropped); https:// engie-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/p/pw5721/EQmfA05-NElKou_iv3Jv5rUBzb1tPBgoc7ojQVOAhhnqkQ?e=caspPf

davidmcn

Well, the house two to the right obviously did it recently - maybe check their planning papers online to see what was said?

AdrianC

Look a little wider...
https://goo.gl/maps/bXiWXG6GzGCcs3nQ8

You'd be looking to put a drive where the red mark is?

Now look at the green. Similar position on a bend, but with a junction opposite - and on the more major spur of the estate road.

J0nz3y

davidmcn said:

Well, the house two to the right obviously did it recently - maybe check their planning papers online to see what was said?

Thanks, this was a new dwelling, and as part of the conditions from Essex Highways they did in fact have to provide two off road spaces of 5x5m, therefore you would like to think that we would get approval, it only worried me the fact it is on a bend.

It is quite important I have an off-road space as I have an electric car which requires charging.

bouicca21

I think it’s the visuals from the road that matter.  How safe would accessing the road be for other vehicles coming round  the bend?  There really is no alternative but to pay the council for an inspection.  In my area that’s £100. 

seradane

You could potentially make an offer that's contingent upon the current owner applying for the drop kerb themselves. That way the risk is on them. 

Or you just suck it up and spend the £300 to apply during the process of buying, in the scheme of things you'll spend that and more on solicitors, stamp duty, surveys etc that you could potentially lose if the sale falls through anyway.

Reading through the criteria for drop kerbs for Essex County Council: https://www.essexhighways.org/applications/for-residents/vehicle-crossings-dropped-kerbs.aspx There doesn't appear to be a particular issue with bends. It's more about visibility - if the view from the future drive is clear you should be fine.

AdrianC said:

Look a little wider...
https://goo.gl/maps/bXiWXG6GzGCcs3nQ8

You'd be looking to put a drive where the red mark is?

Now look at the green. Similar position on a bend, but with a junction opposite - and on the more major spur of the estate road.

Adrian I note on their website they have the following under their FAQ:

I requested a vehicle crossing which is the same as my neighbour, so why has my application been declined? 

In 2009 the criteria by which we grant permission for vehicle crossings changed. Unless your application meets the current criteria requirements we cannot grant permission for a vehicle crossing.

That drive may have been implemented under different rules so is no guarantee.