DEVELOPMENT CONTROL DESIGN POLICY, GUIDANCE AND STANDARDS 2015
2.6.13 Car Lifts Car lifts can provide the means of access to off-street parking in situations where the space for ramped access is limited. However, they are inappropriate where the off-street parking area is to serve a large number of visitors, as customers of shops or callers to offices. Lifts normally allow use by only one car at a time and so would give rise to queuing in those situations where vehicle movements are considerable.
P25
CAR LIFTS The Authority will only allow a car lift as the sole means of access to off-street parking areas for small-scale residential developments or for non-residential developments, where the parking areas are not intended to be accessible to a large number of frequent visitors and the site is restricted in size or shape such that a normal ramped access cannot be provided. It is important that car lifts are well positioned and designed; that they can be accessed and exited without danger or inconvenience to other road users or to pedestrians; that they are easy to use; and meet a number of other performance standards and requirements addressed hereunder. Where allowed, the access to the car lift shall comply with the other access requirements set out in Policy P13 and with the following criteria: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j)
Each lift will not serve more than 20 vehicles in total. A 4.8-metre waiting area will be provided within the site at the entrance/access to the lift from the road. The visibility from the entrance/access along the road, and the internal visibility to the car lift will be adequate. Waiting areas will be provided at all car parking levels served by the car lift. Adequate internal circulation and manoeuvring space will be provided so that the lift can be used easily and safely. The lift will be located within the site, and adequate turning space is provided, so that ideally cars can enter and leave the site in a forward gear. The lift will be of adequate dimensions and at least 2.4 metres clear door opening by 4.8 metres clear depth. The operation of the lift will be straightforward and suitable safety measures, such as guardrails and warning signs (both audible and visual), will be provided. A secondary pedestrian access and escape will be provided. A secondary source of power to the car lift will be provided.
Applications for development including car lifts are to include information and/or plans and drawings endorsed by a Warranted Engineer that clearly demonstrate that the criteria in the policy have all been met. Furthermore, a condition will be imposed requiring the lift to be installed, operational and certified by a Warranted Engineer before a compliance/ completion certification is issued.
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