Do You Need Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb?

If you’re planning to install a dropped kerb outside your home to create a driveway or improve access, you may need planning permission. In the UK, the rules depend on your local council, the type of road, and whether your property is on a classified road. Even if planning permission isn’t always required, you will always need approval from your local highways authority before making any alterations to the pavement or kerb outside your property.

What Is A Dropped Kerb?

A dropped kerb is a section of pavement where the kerb has been lowered to allow vehicles to drive across the footpath and onto private property, typically into a driveway. It provides legal and safe access from the road to off-street parking. Without a dropped kerb, it's illegal to drive over a pavement, even if it's your own frontage. Dropped kerbs also help pedestrians, wheelchair users, and pushchairs by creating smoother transitions between road and pavement at crossing points.

Do You Have To Have A Dropped Kerb?

Yes, if you want to drive a vehicle across the pavement and park on your property, you must have a properly installed dropped kerb. Driving over the pavement without one can lead to fines and liability for any damage caused. The pavement and verge are usually owned by the council, not the homeowner, so any unauthorised use is technically illegal. In addition, some councils actively monitor and fine households that have created driveways without first getting permission for a dropped kerb.

Do I Need To Get Planning Permission For A Dropped Kerb?

Whether you need full planning permission depends on where your property is located. If your home is on a classified road — such as a main road or a B-road — you will usually need planning permission in addition to highways consent. If your property is on an unclassified residential street, planning permission may not be necessary, but you will still need to apply to your local highways team for approval.

You will also need planning permission if your property is listed, located in a conservation area, or if you plan to remove a front boundary wall over a certain height. The council will want to assess how the dropped kerb affects road safety, visibility, nearby trees, street furniture, and any existing public services underneath the pavement.

How Much Will It Cost ForA Dropped Kerb?

The cost of installing a dropped kerb varies by region, but in most areas, you can expect to pay between £1,000 and £2,500. This includes the initial application fee, site inspection, and the actual construction work, which must be carried out by an approved contractor. If planning permission is required, that’s an additional cost — typically around £200 depending on your council’s fees.

If electrical work, street lighting adjustments, or utility relocations are involved, the cost can increase significantly. Some councils also charge additional fees if they need to carry out tree surveys, traffic assessments, or engineering reviews.

How Do I Apply For Planning Permission ForA Dropped Kerb?

The application process usually starts by submitting a request to your local council’s highways department. They will carry out an initial assessment of your site to check whether a dropped kerb is feasible. If planning permission is required, you’ll need to apply separately through your council’s planning portal. You’ll be asked to submit details of your property, a proposed layout, photographs, and possibly a scaled plan showing where the dropped kerb will be located.

Once planning permission is granted, or confirmed as not required, the highways team will arrange for the kerb work to be scheduled. Some councils allow you to choose from a list of approved contractors, while others insist on using their own teams. It’s important to follow the official process, as unauthorised work can lead to legal and financial consequences.

Can My Request For Planning Permission Be Denied?

Yes, planning permission or highways consent for a dropped kerb can be refused for several reasons. If the proposed driveway creates a safety risk by reducing visibility for drivers or pedestrians, permission is unlikely to be granted. Similarly, if there’s a street tree, lamppost, or utility cover in the way, the council may deny the application unless it’s possible to relocate or work around the obstruction.

Other common reasons for refusal include insufficient space between your property and the road, a lack of off-street parking space, or if the new access point would interfere with bus stops, cycle lanes, or existing traffic controls. Councils also consider surface water drainage and whether the new driveway will cause water to flow onto the pavement or road.

If your application is refused, you may have the option to appeal or modify your plans, but it’s important to get guidance early in the process to improve your chances of approval.

Extra Things to Know About Dropped Kerbs

One important point is that planning permission and highways consent are two separate things. Even if planning permission isn’t required, you still need permission from the highways authority. Skipping this step is illegal and can lead to fines or even legal action.

You’re also not allowed to do the work yourself. Most councils require that only council-approved contractors carry out dropped kerb installations. If you hire someone unapproved, the council could demand the work be removed or redone at your expense.

Some councils also have specific requirements for driveway surfacing. They may insist on permeable materials like gravel, porous asphalt, or permeable concrete to comply with flood prevention rules. If you plan to pave over your front garden with non-permeable materials and it’s larger than 5 square metres, planning permission might be required for the surface too, not just the kerb.

It’s also worth noting that not all front gardens are suitable for driveways. If the space between your home and the street is too narrow for a standard car to park without overhanging the footpath, your application will likely be rejected.

FAQs: Dropped Kerb Planning Permission

1. Can I get a dropped kerb for a shared driveway?
You can apply, but it depends on the ownership and access rights. If the driveway is jointly owned or shared with neighbours, you may need written consent from them. Councils may also assess whether the layout allows for safe vehicle access.

2. How long does it take to get permission for a dropped kerb?
Planning permission decisions typically take 6 to 8 weeks. Highways approval may take longer, especially if site visits, tree surveys, or utility checks are required. The full process from application to construction can take several months.

3. Can I appeal if my application is refused?
Yes. If planning permission is refused, you can appeal through the Planning Inspectorate. For highways refusals, your options are more limited, but you can sometimes revise and resubmit the proposal with changes.

4. Do I need planning permission if I'm just widening an existing dropped kerb?
Possibly. Widening an existing access can still require planning permission, especially if your property is on a classified road or if you’re increasing the opening beyond a certain width. Check with your local council.

5. Can I install a dropped kerb on a council estate or rented property?
Only with written permission from the landlord or housing association. Many will have strict conditions or refuse changes that alter the streetscape.

6. What happens if I install a dropped kerb without permission?
You could be fined, made to restore the kerb to its original state, or even prosecuted. Councils monitor pavement changes, especially in high-traffic areas or new-build estates.