Policy AMP 3: Access to Protected Routes

The Department will restrict the number of new accesses and control the level of use of existing accesses onto Protected Routes as follows: Motorways and High Standard Dual Carriageways – All locations Planning permission will not be granted for development proposals involving direct access. An exception may be considered in the case of motorway service areas. 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 in exceptional circumstances or 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 cases: (a) A Replacement Dwelling – where a building to be replaced would meet the criteria for development within a Green Belt or Countryside Policy Area and there is an existing vehicular access onto the Protected Route. (b) A Farm Dwelling – where a farm dwelling, including a farm retirement dwelling, would meet the criteria for development within a Green Belt or Countryside Policy Area and access cannot reasonably be obtained from an adjacent minor road. (c) A Dwelling Serving an Established Commercial or Industrial Enterprise – where a dwelling would meet the criteria for development within a Green Belt or Countryside Policy Area and access cannot reasonably be obtained from an adjacent minor road. (d) Other Categories of Development – approval may be justified in particular cases for other developments which would meet the criteria for development within a Green Belt or Countryside Policy Area where access cannot reasonably be obtained from an adjacent minor road.