Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb UK

Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb UK

A dropped kerb, sometimes called a vehicle crossover, is a lowered section of pavement that allows vehicles to drive from the road across the pavement and onto a private driveway. In the UK, you cannot simply install one without permission, as it involves altering the public highway. Whether you are creating a new driveway or improving access to an existing one, understanding the planning rules for a dropped kerb is essential.

Why Permission Is Needed

The pavement and kerb outside your property are part of the public highway, maintained by the local council or highway authority. Altering them affects both pedestrian safety and road use, so permission is required before any work can be carried out. Installing a dropped kerb without approval is unlawful and could result in enforcement action, fines, and being ordered to reinstate the pavement at your own expense.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

In most cases, you will need planning permission if you are creating a new dropped kerb to access your property. This is particularly important if the access is from a classified road, such as a main road, or if your property is in a conservation area. Planning permission is also needed if the dropped kerb significantly changes the frontage of your property, for example by removing walls, hedges or other features.

However, if your property already has planning permission for a driveway or hardstanding area, and the dropped kerb is part of that development, you may not need a separate application. Many local authorities deal with dropped kerb applications directly through their highways department, but they will usually confirm whether planning permission is needed as part of the process.

Highways Consent

Alongside planning permission, you must obtain highways consent from your local council. This is separate from planning approval and ensures the dropped kerb is constructed safely to highway standards. Only contractors approved by the council can carry out the work, and the cost is usually borne by the homeowner. Councils typically charge for the application and for the construction itself, which can range from £1,200 to £3,000 depending on the size of the kerb, ground conditions and location.

Rules for Driveways and Surfacing

If you are installing a dropped kerb to access a new driveway, you must also comply with rules about driveway surfacing. In England, hard surfaces over five square metres in front gardens must be permeable or drain to a suitable soakaway to prevent flooding. Using gravel, permeable paving or porous asphalt usually meets this requirement. If the driveway does not meet drainage rules, you will need planning permission even if the dropped kerb itself would normally be acceptable.

Practical Considerations

When applying for a dropped kerb, the council will assess whether it can be installed safely. Factors include the width of the pavement, visibility for vehicles entering and leaving the driveway, and whether street furniture such as lamp posts, trees or utility covers are in the way. In some cases, permission may be refused if the dropped kerb would create a danger to pedestrians, obstruct traffic flow or reduce available on-street parking in heavily congested areas.

Summary

In the UK, installing a dropped kerb requires permission because it alters the public highway. Planning permission is often needed, particularly if the access is from a main road or in a conservation area, and highways consent is always required. The process involves applying to your local council, using approved contractors and meeting rules for driveway surfacing. Costs vary but are typically between £1,200 and £3,000. Checking with your council before applying ensures your project is compliant and avoids costly mistakes.