Vehicular access guide
A Vehicular Access consent is required by
anyone who wants to construct an access to their property or
development. This can take the form of a simple dropped kerb
to form a driveway into a garden, to an entrance to a major housing
development. This guide aims to explain the process of applying for
Vehicular Access consent and the steps that are necessary to form
it.
Do I need planning permission for a vehicular access?
Applicants should firstly determine if planning
permission will be required. In simple terms if any of the
four conditions apply, then planning permission must be applied
for.
- Flatted Property
- On a Classified Road - i.e. an A, B or C Class
road
- Listed Building
- In a Conservation Area
If any of these conditions apply, then
applicants are advised to check the
Planning pages on this website to obtain information on how to
apply for planning permission.
I live in a Council Owned Property - Do I need Permission from
the Council?
If you live in a Council owned property, then you will need to
obtain the written consent of your local Housing Area Office to
your request, before you can submit a vehicular access application.
A copy of the consent letter should be included with your vehicular
access application. A vehicular access application cannot be
considered without this consent, so it is important that this
letter is included with your application, so as not to unduly delay
the process.
How do I apply for vehicular access consent?
If none of the conditions described above
apply, then the applicant is advised to download a VA1 form [PDF 20kb]. Applicants should
fill in their name and address and the address of the property
where the vehicular access is required, if this is different to the
applicant's address. If the form is being filled in by an
agent then they should also supply their name and address.
The applicant or agent should then sign the form and return the
form to the address displayed on the form. A simple sketch map
showing the location of the proposed access should be
supplied. This can best be done by using any number of
mapping systems freely available on the Internet.
Suitably completed VA1 forms are usually
processed within 28 days of receipt. If VA consent is
granted, then a letter stating that consent has been granted
subject to conditions as stated in the letter will be issued. The
letter will also contain details including a sketch map of the
access to be formed, the construction details and an application
form for a Road Opening Permit (or Section 56 permit [PDF 604kb]). This letter is
known as a VA2 letter and signifies that consent has been
granted. It does not mean that work to construct the works
can be carried out, and enforcement action can be taken resulting
in a possible fine of up to £1,000 if the conditions stated
in the VA2 letter are not complied with.
I have a VA2 Letter. What do I need to do next?
Section 56 forms should be filled out by a
suitably qualified contractor who should be employed to carry out
the work. The contractor should make sure that they comply with the
conditions stated on the Section 56 forms, especially with regards
to insurance cover and the proper documentation required for
carrying out work on a public road. The forms and all
accompanying documentation should be sent to the address shown on
the back of the VA2 letter together with a cheque for the required
fee (currently £58.00) made payable to Perth & Kinross
Council. Suitably completed Section 56 forms are usually
processed within 28 days of receipt.
I have a Section 56 Permit and have completed the works what do
I do now?
Upon receipt of a Section 56 permit, the works
can then go ahead. When the works have been completed the
tear-off slip at the bottom of the VA2 letter should be returned to
the address shown on the back of the VA2 letter. A member of
the Asset Management and Support team, based at the Atrium in
Glover Street, Perth will then inspect the works to ensure that the
access has been constructed to the Council's specifications.
If the access meets the required specifications then a letter
stating that the applicant is responsible for the maintenance of
the access for a period of twelve months will be sent out. If
however, the access is not satisfactory, than a letter specifying
the remedial works that are required will be sent out.
Upon completion of the twelve month maintenance
period the access will be inspected again. If the access is
found to be satisfactory then the Council will take over the
maintenance of the access and a letter will be sent out stating
that the Council will maintain the access as part of the
List of Public Roads
