The Council will operate a general presumption against new development involving direct access, or the intensification of the use of an existing access, onto a protected route. Exceptions relating to the various types of Protected Route are specified below:
Motorways and High Standard Dual Carriageways35 – All locations
Planning permission will not be granted for a development proposal involving direct access. An exception may be considered in the case of roadside services where there is a demonstrable need as required by retail Policy RET4 Rural Shops and Roadside Service Facilities.
Other Dual Carriageways, Ring Roads, Through-Passes and By Passes – All locations
Planning permission will only be granted for a development proposal involving direct access or the intensification of the use of an existing access where the proposal is of regional significance.
Other Protected Routes – Outside Settlement Limits
Planning permission will only be granted for a development proposal involving direct access, or the intensification of the use of an existing access in the following circumstances:
- A Replacement Dwelling – where the proposal would meet the criteria set out in Policy HOU9 and there is an existing vehicular access onto the Protected Route.
- A Dwelling on a Farm Business – where the proposal would meet the criteria set out in Policy HOU10, and access cannot reasonably be obtained from an adjacent minor road. Where this is not achievable, proposals will be required to make use of an existing vehicular access.
- A Dwelling serving an established Non-Agricultural Business Enterprise – where the proposal would meet the criteria set out in Policy HOU11, and access cannot reasonably be obtained from an adjacent minor road. Where this is not achievable, proposals will be required to make use of an existing vehicular access.
- Other Categories of Development – approval may be justified in particular cases for other development proposals which would meet the relevant policy criteria for development in the countryside, and access cannot reasonably be obtained from an adjacent minor road. Where this is not achievable, proposals will be required to make use of an existing vehicular access.
- The proposal is for a facility that would reduce traffic congestion (e.g. Park & Ride or Park & Share sites).
Other Protected Routes – Within Settlement Limits
Planning permission will only be granted for a development proposal involving direct access, or the intensification of the use of an existing access in the following circumstances:
- Where access cannot reasonably be taken from an adjacent minor road; or
- The proposal is for a facility that would reduce traffic congestion (e.g. Park & Ride or Park & Share sites); or
- For a major economic development zoning where there is no reasonable alternative access; or
- In the case of proposals involving residential development, the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that the nature and level of access onto the protected route will significantly assist in the creation of a quality environment without compromising standards of road safety.
The distinction between the various categories of Protected Routes is illustrated on the Protected Routes map in Appendix H (check DfI website for updates).