Family "devastated" and can't bring their disabled son home after request for a dropped kerb is rejected

Karen Pervin, 64, applied on April 13 for permission to install a dropped kerb outside her recently purchased home in Priory Road, Netley Abbey.

The measure would allow wheelchair access and enable her to care for her 46-year-old son, who was left quadriplegic following a car accident five years ago.

Her son currently lives at Pear Tree House Care Home, where his 24-hour care is funded by the council at a cost of around £10,000 per month.

Ms Pervin said access to her property is the key barrier preventing his return home.

She said: “Without a dropped kerb, it would be very difficult to get him close to the house.

“As it stands, I can’t even think about bringing him home.

“I just feel if I had the dropped kerb, it would allow me to at least park outside my house and then get the wheelchair, which is still a struggle.”

She added that she is unable to apply for a disabled parking bay without her son living at the address, leaving her “stuck”.

A highways officer visited the property the day after the application was submitted to carry out measurements – leading her to believe the process was moving quickly. However, a refusal letter arrived just two days after her application, which she described as “a shock”.

She said: “I just kept looking at the letter. It felt like a computer-generated response.

“I assumed it would be approved. I can’t believe it.”

The council cited policies protecting a “green area” between the road and the property as the reason for refusal.

But Ms Pervin argues the space in question is minimal. She said: “We are talking about a small strip of grass.

“Other neighbours along the road have done the same.”

She fears the decision will have a lasting impact on her son’s well-being.

She said: “He’s devastated.

“I don’t pick him up as often now because it’s so difficult, and that’s not good for his mental health.”

Ms Pervin had planned to adapt her home and build an extension to accommodate his needs but says those plans are now on hold.

“There’s no point making all these changes if I can’t even park his adapted vehicle outside.

“I just want my son at home with his family—his brothers, nieces, and nephews.”

She also questioned the financial implications of the decision.

“It’s costing the council £10,000 a month to keep him in care.

“There doesn’t seem to be any logic in that.

“I’m getting older. I want to care for my son in my later years.

“I was in total shock when I got the letter – I couldn’t believe it.”

She will appeal the decision. Hampshire County Council has been asked to explain the decision.