Vehicular access and hardstanding at 16 St Marys Road, Minster, Ramsgate

“This application seeks planning permission for the formation of a vehicular access with hardstanding at the front of the property. The existing chain link fencing that encloses the front of the site will be partially removed, to allow for a new vehicular access to be created, with associated dropped kerb. An area of concrete hardstanding measuring 6m in depth and 3.6m in width is proposed to the north of the existing concrete ramp that provides access to the property.”

“The application form indicates that the development has been requested by the KCC Occupational Therapy Service requirements, in order to provide an accessible car parking bay in accordance with the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act of 1996 and the Care Act of 2014.”

“The application site is a ground floor flat, located within a two storey semi-detached building which features a flat on the upper floor. It is located on the western side of St Marys Road. At the front of the site is a landscaped front garden.”

“St Marys Road lies within the village of Minster and is characterised by semi-detached dwellings set back from the road, and has a wholly residential character. Some front gardens at surrounding properties are landscaped, whilst others are hardsurfaced and provide off- road parking.”

“The parking space created by the development will measure 6m in depth and 3.6m in width, which is in excess of the minimum car parking dimensions set out in KCC's Parking Standards. The dimensions are therefore considered acceptable for accommodating one parked car without obstruction to the public highway. The new access will achieve the necessary visibility splays of 2.4 metres by 43 metres in both directions (based on the 30 mph speed limit along St Marys Road).”

“The development will provide one off-road parking space at the property, without causing harm to visual or residential amenity. The new access and driveway provides the adequate visibility splays and will not harm highway safety and convenience. As such, it is recommended that members approve the application, subject to safeguarding conditions.”

“The visibility splays, hardsurfacing and drainage are secured via condition. The vehicular access and parking space is therefore considered to result in an acceptable impact upon highway safety in accordance with Policy TP06 of the Thanet Local Plan, and paragraph 115 of the National Planning Policy Framework.”

“Councillor Rusiecki proposed and Councillor Makinson seconded that the officer recommendation to approve, subject to the following conditions:”

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED.”