PPS 3 Access Movement and Parking·Page 21·5.18
Use of Existing Access
Where an existing access is available, it should generally be used unless a more acceptable arrangement is achievable. Sub-standard existing access must normally be improved by condition before development commences, or closed if a new access is preferred.
In circumstances where an existing access is available to facilitate development proposals, the Department will generally expect this to be used, unless there is an opportunity to provide a more acceptable access arrangement, having regard to both road safety and local amenity considerations. Where an existing access is to be used, but is sub-standard, a condition requiring its improvement prior to the commencement of the development will normally be imposed on a grant of planning permission. In cases where a new access is considered acceptable in preference to the intensified use of an existing access a condition requiring the existing access to be closed may be imposed.
Source — /Users/richardhill/Documents/planning-arch-project/data/documents/regional/PPS 3 - Access Movement and Parking.pdf