For a 4.6 m drop kerb

Appeal Decision Site visit made on 25 August 2026 by Kim Vo MPlan Decision by John Morrison BA (Hons) MSc MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 16 September 2026 Appeal Ref: 6009746 41 Hicks Farm Rise, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 7SX • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Mr. Jake Sheppy of Set in Stone Paving against the decision of Buckinghamshire Council. • The application Ref is PL/26/02284/FA. • The development proposed is for a 4.6 m drop kerb. Decision 1. The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for a 4.6 m drop kerb at 41 Hicks Farm Rise, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 7SX in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref PL/26/02284/FA, subject to the following conditions: 1) The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than three years from the date of this decision. 2) The development hereby permitted relates to the following approved plans, drawing references PP-14789480v1 (Location Plan) and b36f/uk/1392852/1866012 (Block Plan). 3) The materials used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall be as they are set out on the application form. Appeal Procedure, Preliminary Matters and Main Issue 2. The site visit was undertaken by a representative of the Inspector whose recommendation is set out below and to which the Inspector has had regard before deciding the appeal. 3. Having reviewed the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (Framework), I am satisfied that they do not affect the substance of the main issues in the appeal or the outcome thereof. Since their arguments would not therefore be prejudiced, I have proceeded without further consultation with the main parties. 4. At the time of my site visit, a paved front driveway had been completed, with a staggered timber boundary around it and a drainage channel to the front. These works are not detailed on the submitted plans. There is sufficient information available to make an informed assessment of the development from both the plans and from what I saw on site. The main issue being its effect on highway safety. Appeal Decision 6009746 2 Reasons for the Recommendation 5. The appeal relates to a dwelling with a recently completed paved front driveway. It is located on Hicks Farm Rise, a residential street with wide flat footways and a two lane carriageway. The street scene is characterised by properties set back from the pavement with front gardens and driveways, where several kerbs have been dropped to allow for vehicle crossings. It also lies adjacent where it meets Gayhurst Road which has a broad junction connecting to Hicks Farm Rise. 6. The appeal property, together with neighbouring dwellings on the same side of the road, are situated on a higher ground level, resulting in steeply sloping front gardens. At the time the planning application was determined, concerns were raised by both the Council and the Highways Officer regarding the gradient of any proposed hardstanding and the vehicle manoeuvres when entering and exiting the site. Further details were therefore required to demonstrate retaining structures and the provision of a level, or as near as practicably possible, parking area which included provision for surface water runoff. 7. I noticed on my site visit that these have been achieved. The front garden has been substantially regraded. The driveway has been installed with a gradual and manageable gradient, and the road junction and surrounding street scene are characterised by a spacious layout. Retaining timber walls and a drainage channel have also been installed to manage the changes in levels and surface water runoff. It would seem therefore that vehicles are able to enter and exit the site safely, as the regraded driveway provides a suitable gradient, avoiding abrupt changes in level. Off street, in curtilage and pavement parking is not uncommon locally and thus road users will be well used to hazards specifically relating thereto. 8. The Council do mention the possibility of conflicting vehicle movements but stop short of providing any evidence or indication as to specifically why or how in terms of visibility, vehicle manoeuvring or the free flow of traffic. With this and the above in mind, the proposed dropped kerb would result in an acceptable impact on highway safety. Accordingly, it would comply with Policy DM33 of the Wycombe District Local Plan 2019, Buckinghamshire’s Local Transport Plan 4 and the Highways Development Management Guidance 2018. Together and amongst other things, this policy and guidance require development proposals to be provided with safe and convenient access to the highway network. Conditions 9. For certainty and enforcement purposes, I have set out the usual timescale for commencement and identified the approved plans. A condition is also necessary to ensure the materials accord with the details submitted in the application form. They would be acceptable for the character and appearance of the area. Conclusion and Recommendation 10. I recommend that the appeal should be allowed given it would comply with the development plan and there is nothing compelling to suggest a decision other than in accordance therewith.  Kim Vo APPEAL PLANNING OFFICER Appeal Decision 6009746 3 Inspector’s Decision 11. I have considered all the submitted evidence and my representative’s report and on that basis the appeal is allowed. Planning permission is therefore granted, subject to the conditions set out above. John Morrison INSPECTOR