The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Buildings & planning => Topic started by: kathiejs on June 11, 2017, 09:39:10 pm

Title: Gate "next to" highway?
Post by: kathiejs on June 11, 2017, 09:39:10 pm
Another question please relating to a property we haven't even bought yet (but it's getting close :excited:)

I gather that we don't need planning permission to erect a gate less than 2m high provided it's not "next to" a highway, but I'm not sure what that means exactly and Google is not helping.  I would want to put a gate across a very short track that leads from the road to a parking area,haybarn and fields - just a lockable 4' metal bar gate to deter fly tippers etc. There would be enough room to pull off the road (but not a lot more) before having to stop to open the gate, so is that enough to make it not "next to"?  Or is there a specific distance? ???
Title: Re: Gate "next to" highway?
Post by: Fleecewife on June 11, 2017, 10:42:47 pm
It will likely depend on just which area you are in.  The question is whether or not you have to open the verge - in which case you need permission from the Highways Department.  It sounds as if your track already opens onto the road in which case all is well - you would be helping road safety by being able to get a vehicle off the road promptly.  The other question is whether or not the track is a public right of way.  It's probably best just to check with the council so they know what you're doing, and you get the right advice.
Title: Re: Gate "next to" highway?
Post by: kathiejs on June 11, 2017, 11:13:36 pm
It's in Torridge, Devon.  Yes, the track already opens onto the road (a quiet "narrow yellow") - it would make no difference to road safety as vehicles can just turn into the track and proceed straight to the parking area at the moment.  I wouldn't be changing the track - just putting a gate across it, about 5m in from the highway.  No right of way involved.
Title: Re: Gate "next to" highway?
Post by: bazzais on June 12, 2017, 03:17:07 pm
Just pop the gate in - remember to invert the top hinge ;)