Design and Access Statement for a Housing Development at The ...

A s s e s s m e n t
d e s i g n a n d a c c e s s s t a t e m e n t
2 nd Pre Application Response:
Layout Options 3 (top) and 4 (bottom)
The difficulty of achieving a safe access west of the pub forced the consideration of a single access serving the
whole site, via the existing access. This is shown on Options 3 and 4 (opposite) that were submitted to the Council
for further discussion). The main difference in the options is the provision of 1 or 2 houses east of the pub.
The Council’s initial response was that options 1 and 2 were preferable, largely because of the reduced
hardstanding they showed because of having two access points. However, following further discussion with the
highway officer it has been accepted that it is impractical to serve the western half of the site in any other way than
as shown in options 3 and 4.
These options resulting in a shared driveway crossing over the public footpath. The Public Rights of Way officer
advised:
“The only permission needed in order to drive vehicles over the public footpath is that of the landowner and
therefore there are no specific steps to take as the right of way is not going to be diverted. As the access road only
serves 2 properties I do not have a concern about conflict between vehicles and pedestrians because the number
of times that vehicles will be crossing the path will me minimal. The surface should be level throughout so that the
public are not inconvenienced. If necessary, once the development is complete footpath signs might be installed
either side of the access road to indicate that the public have a right to cross over to continue on the footpath. The
footpath should be open and available for safe public use during construction. If public access does need to be
restricted at any time during construction the developer should apply for a temporary closure.”
H o u s i n g , W a g g o n & H o r s e s , B r i n s l e y
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