TR2 Access to Protected Routes

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Local Development Plan Draft Plan Strategy 2030
Closeddate_range16 Oct, 2019, 9:30am - 11 Dec, 2019, 5:00pm

Policy TR2 Access to Protected Routes

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. Where access cannot reasonably be taken from an adjacent minor road; or
  2. The proposal is for a facility that would reduce traffic congestion (e.g. Park & Ride or Park & Share sites); or
  3. For a major economic development zoning where there is no reasonable alternative access; or
  4. 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).

Justification and Amplification

The primary aim of this policy is to restrict access onto our strategic road network in order to facilitate the efficient movement of traffic between urban areas with Mid and East Antrim and beyond, thereby promoting good connectivity between these centres.

These strategic roads are referred to as ‘protected routes’ which are identified by DfI, and include primary routes, routes between the principal towns across the Borough and beyond, routes to ports and airports and other selected routes with high traffic flows. It is recognised that safeguarding these routes by restricting unnecessary access, contributes to economic prosperity, road safety, reduced journey times and alleviation of traffic congestion.

Any development proposal allowed under this policy must not compromise the function of those protected routes which form part of the regional strategic road network in facilitating the free and safe movement of traffic. On other classes of protected routes outside and inside settlements, a new access or the intensification of use of an existing access will only be permitted in the circumstances outlined above.

For clarification, the criteria relating to a facility that would reduce traffic congestion does not include private car parking proposals.

Proposals for roadside service areas will only be permitted where the applicant has demonstrated a need and there are no existing roadside services along the strategic road network within 12 miles of the proposal (see retail Policy RET4 Rural Shops and Roadside Service facilities).

In all cases, where access to a Protected Route is acceptable in principle, it will also be required to be in accordance with Policy TR1 Access to Public Roads.

  • 35 - A High Standard Dual Carriageway is a dual carriageway with all junctions either ‘Grade Separated’ or ‘at-grade left-turn only’. There are no cross-overs on the central median

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