Do You Need Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb

Creating a dropped kerb, also known as a vehicle crossover, allows vehicles to access your property safely from the road by lowering the pavement and strengthening it to withstand vehicle weight. Whether you're adding a new driveway or simply improving access, installing a dropped kerb is not just a matter of digging up the pavement. In the UK, you will almost always need permission from your local authority before any work begins.

What Is a Dropped Kerb in Planning Terms

A dropped kerb involves lowering the pavement between the road and your property so that vehicles can drive over it without damaging the kerb or footpath. It is a formal alteration to the public highway and typically includes reinforced pavement to support the weight of a car or van.

This type of work usually takes place on land owned and maintained by the local authority, meaning you cannot make the changes yourself. It is not simply a private home improvement project but one that involves access to and modification of public infrastructure.

When Planning Permission Is Required

In many cases, you will need to obtain planning permission before a dropped kerb can be installed, especially if your property fronts onto a classified road, such as an A or B road. Planning permission may also be required if the proposed access affects protected trees, involves significant changes to boundary walls, or lies within a conservation area or near a listed building.

Even when planning permission is not required under general circumstances, you will still need consent from the Highways Authority. They must approve the installation on safety grounds, including visibility, distance from junctions, impact on pedestrians, and the ability of the pavement to accommodate the works.

If you live in a conservation area or a street with controlled parking zones or residents’ bays, additional rules will apply. In such areas, dropped kerbs may be restricted to preserve the character of the street or to maintain essential parking controls.

How to Apply for a Dropped Kerb

You will need to apply to your local council, often through the Highways or Transport department, to request permission for a dropped kerb. Some councils require you to apply for planning permission first, then submit a separate vehicle crossover application. Others handle both processes as part of a single submission.

An officer from the local authority will usually inspect your property to determine whether a dropped kerb is suitable. Factors they assess include the width of your driveway, whether your vehicle can safely park off the road, sight lines for road users and pedestrians, and the impact on street furniture or trees.

If approved, you will typically need to use a council-approved contractor to carry out the work. Councils do not permit residents to install dropped kerbs themselves or hire non-approved firms.

Cost of Installing a Dropped Kerb

The cost of installing a dropped kerb in the UK typically ranges from £1,000 to £2,500, depending on the width, location and complexity of the job. This does not include any fees for planning permission, which may be around £206 in England if it is required. Additional charges may apply for inspections, application processing or altering street infrastructure like lamp posts or drainage.

You are responsible for covering the full cost of the works, even though the pavement is public land. The fee must usually be paid before the works are scheduled, and councils will not proceed until all permissions and payments are in place.

Risks of Proceeding Without Permission

Installing a dropped kerb without the necessary permissions can lead to enforcement action, including fines, removal of the works and possible prosecution. It is also illegal to drive over a public pavement or kerb that has not been formally dropped, even if you have a driveway.

Unauthorised access can damage the pavement, create trip hazards or interfere with underground services. If you cause damage or injury, you may be held liable. You may also face difficulty selling your property later, as buyers and conveyancers check whether vehicle access has been legally approved.

Case Examples

In Essex, a homeowner installed a concrete ramp over the kerb outside their home without seeking permission. The council ordered its removal and invoiced the resident for damage caused to the pavement. Planning enforcement officers confirmed the work was unauthorised and could not be regularised after the fact due to highway safety concerns.

By contrast, a homeowner in Nottingham applied for a 3-metre wide dropped kerb to serve a newly paved driveway. Following a planning application due to the property’s position on a classified road, the request was approved and a council contractor completed the installation within four weeks.

Conclusion

You will usually need planning permission or formal consent from your local council to install a dropped kerb in the UK. This applies regardless of whether you are converting a garden to parking or already have a driveway in place. The pavement and road verge are public property, and modifying them requires proper oversight. Always contact your local authority before starting work, follow their application process carefully, and use approved contractors to avoid legal and financial complications. A properly installed dropped kerb not only protects the pavement but provides safe and lawful access to your home.