Introduction
A dropped kerb is a lowered access point of the pavement that requires legal compliance for safe driving from your driveway to the road. Installing or altering the public property may need planning permission and a separate licence from the highway authority.
You may have to face legal action if you are adding a dropped kerb to your property without getting permission from the respective authority. In this blog, we will discuss when you need planning permission and when it is not necessary for a new dropped kerb.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb?
You do not need planning permission in most cases to install a dropped kerb, but it depends on your location, the type of road outside your property and the nature of the proposed work. Areas with additional planning controls and property on classified roads may require planning permission.
However, not needing planning permission does not mean you can install a dropped kerb directly without approval. As it involves the alteration of public highway pavement, approval from the highway authority is essential before starting the construction.
When Do You Need Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb?
Planning permission depends on certain circumstances and conditions, such as if you are going to install a driveway along with a dropped kerb, install or alter the drainage underneath, or if your property is on classified roads; then you may need it.
The common circumstances that require planning permission are:
Classified Roads
A dropped kerb on classified roads can create difficulty for fast-moving traffic, so considering planning permission or the highway authority approval is essential before building a dropped kerb in such areas.
Conservation Area
Properties in conservation areas may require formal planning permission before altering the historical character that needs to be preserved. However, altering a fence, wall or gate may require additional security approvals.
Listed Buildings
A historical or nationally designated building may require planning permission before installing a dropped kerb. Council or highway approval are essential to start the project, especially if it involves removing historic front boundary walls.
Substantial Excavation
Major engineering work such as altering layout, retaining walls or changing ground work may require planning permission or council approval before even planning the construction project of this nature.
When Do You Not Need Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb?
You do not need planning permission if your property is lying on an unclassified road or meets all the permitted development rules. The circumstances which remove the need for planning permission may include:
- The road in front of your property is unclassified
- The property is away from a conservation area
- The installation does not include any significant changes
- The driveway and dropped kerb meet legal requirements
What Permission Do You Need If Planning Permission Is Not Required?
You will need building regulations approval from the local council or highway authority whether planning permission is required or not. A highway authority will assess the site on your application while considering these factors for approval.
- Compliance with classified roads
- Space requirement for parking
- Proximity to road junctions
- Street furniture and tree proximity
- Drainage compliance
- Visibility and Safety standards
Moreover, the highway authority has the power to decide whether it is safe to install a dropped kerb in your assessed area under section 184 of the Highways Act 1980 to prevent damage to the footway or verge.
How to Check If You Need Permission for a Dropped Kerb?
Check your available space, area and the road in front of your property to see whether they meet the regulatory compliance or not. If not, then you need planning permission to install a dropped kerb in that area. A short checklist for planning permission requirements may include:
- Check whether the road part is on a public highway
- Check that your property has a compliant hardstanding area
- Check whether the road is classified or unclassified
- Check if the road access requires grass verge alteration
What Happens If Planning Permission is Required?
Once you know that planning permission is required to start the dropped kerb installation, the next step is to submit an application to get planning permission for your dropped kerb. The process of applying for planning permission may include the following steps:
- Search for your local council
- Submit the application form with details
- Pay non-refundable application fees
- Wait for the approval of the application
- Start the construction by hiring an authorised contractor
What Happens If You Install a Dropped Kerb Without Permission?
Although planning permission is not necessary in all circumstances, installing a dropped kerb without even local council or highway authority approval can lead to a fine or legal penalty, which can include:
- Enforcement actions
- Potential fines or penalties
- Responsibility for underground services
- Cost of reinstatement
Conclusion
A dropped kerb is installed for vehicle access while following local building regulations. Planning permission for a dropped kerb depends on the location, road type and all the significant alterations required.
You can only start a dropped kerb construction when you have approval from your local council or highway authority. With approval, you can hire an authorised contractor for your dropped kerb installation. If you are looking for a reliable building contractor, you can contact A and M Groundworks for effective dropped kerb installation and maintenance solutions.
