driveway access

[TEAK36]

I would like to turn my front garden into 2 private parking spaces.I think the planning permission would be ok because many of my neighbours have done the same.My problem is that in front of my house there is a large (4ft x 4ft) BT junction box which would restrict access.Does anyone know if I have any legal rights to ask BT to relocate this junction box.I own my own home so the land I want to build on is mine,but the junction box is on a small patch of grass between my garden and the road.

[sddsddean]

So presumably you would have to tarmac the patch of grass as well. That is a big problem. You can more or less do what you want with your front garden as long as you comply with any covenents in your deeds. eg you might not be able to park a caravan or boat in you front garden. Your problem is getting the council to let you tarmac the grass and getting BT to relevel the box. They will not move it. (Just thought, is it a flush ground cover or one of the 4 foot high ones that are normally against walls?) If it is a footway box, they will proberbly change the cover and re level it, but at a price. I would contact the Local Planning Office (should be under your local council in the phone book), but I would be prepared to have a long wait, be out of pocket, or have to make do as best you can. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[andy hughes]

Contact the BT National Notice Handling Centre on Freephone 0800 800 865, and they will advise you how to contact your local BT Planning Group who in turn will advise you about getting a replacement cover which stand a vehicle's weight, and any costs involved.