Why August Is Ideal for Dropped Kerb Installations in the North East
A dropped kerb is more than a simple adjustment to the pavement outside your home. It is a legal requirement if you plan to drive over the pavement onto your property, ensuring safe access and compliance with local council regulations. For homeowners across Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East, August offers the perfect conditions to complete this important upgrade. With dry weather, longer daylight hours, and councils still processing applications before autumn backlogs, now is the time to act.
This blog explains what dropped kerbs are, why timing matters, and why August is the ideal month to arrange your installation.
What Is a Dropped Kerb and Why You Need One
A dropped kerb, sometimes called a lowered kerb, is a section of pavement modified to allow vehicles to cross safely from the road to a driveway. Without one, driving over the pavement can damage both your car and the pavement itself. More importantly, it is illegal to cross a pavement without a properly authorised dropped kerb.
Key reasons why homeowners need a dropped kerb include:
- Legal compliance: Local authorities require permission before work begins.
- Vehicle protection: Prevents scraping and tyre damage when accessing your drive.
- Pedestrian safety: Creates a smooth transition that reduces trip hazards.
- Property value: Adds to kerb appeal and makes your home more attractive to buyers.
For any new driveway, arranging a dropped kerb is just as important as choosing the right paving material.
Why Timing Matters for Dropped Kerb Installations
Timing plays a significant role in both the application process and the physical installation of a dropped kerb. Councils often face longer processing times in autumn and winter, as demand increases and weather conditions delay scheduled works.
From an installation perspective, weather is crucial. Dropped kerb work requires excavation, concrete laying, and surface adjustments. Excessive rain or freezing conditions can affect the strength and stability of the finished kerb. Summer provides the most consistent environment for successful results.
By planning your project for August, you avoid seasonal delays and ensure the installation is completed efficiently.
Advantages of Installing in August
August provides unique benefits that make it the best time of year for dropped kerb installations in the North East.
- Stable Weather Conditions
The summer months bring drier and more predictable weather, reducing the risk of delays. Stable ground allows contractors to complete excavation and surfacing without disruption. - Longer Daylight Hours
With extended working days, installations can progress more quickly. This often means less disruption to your household and faster completion times. - Preparation for Autumn and Winter
By installing in August, your driveway is ready for heavier rainfall and frost later in the year. A completed kerb ensures safe, compliant access before harsh weather sets in. - Contractor Availability
Demand for installations spikes in autumn, as homeowners rush to complete outdoor projects before winter. August offers a valuable window to secure an experienced contractor with greater scheduling flexibility.
Together, these factors make August the most efficient and cost-effective month to complete the work.
Planning Permission and Council Regulations
Installing a dropped kerb is not something homeowners can do without approval. Local councils in the North East have clear requirements, and permissions must be granted before any work begins.
The typical process includes:
- Submitting an application: Most councils require site plans, photographs, and details of the proposed work.
- Inspection: A council officer may visit the property to assess suitability.
- Approval: Permission is granted if the proposed kerb meets safety and access standards.
It is important to note:
- Planning permission is usually required if the kerb fronts onto a classified road.
- Work must be carried out by an accredited contractor approved by the council.
- Failure to obtain permission can result in enforcement action, fines, or even removal of the kerb at your expense.
Professional guidance is invaluable here, as experienced installers understand council requirements and can help with applications.
Choosing the Right Driveway Material with a Dropped Kerb
A dropped kerb goes hand-in-hand with your driveway surface. Choosing the right material ensures durability, compliance, and visual harmony with your property.
- Block paving: Highly versatile and durable, with the added benefit of custom patterns and colours to enhance kerb appeal.
- Resin: Smooth, modern, and low-maintenance. Its permeability often aligns well with council drainage requirements.
- Tarmac: Practical and affordable, providing a simple but sturdy surface for frequent vehicle use.
- Gravel: Naturally permeable and cost-effective, though it requires regular maintenance to keep the driveway tidy.
When planning a new driveway alongside a dropped kerb, consult professionals to choose materials that balance budget, durability, and style.
Preparing for Your Installation
Once permission is secured, homeowners can prepare for the practical aspects of installation.
Steps include:
- Budgeting: Factor in both the kerb work and your chosen driveway material.
- Site preparation: Clear access routes and ensure vehicles can be parked elsewhere during the works.
- Drainage planning: Make sure surface water is managed appropriately, avoiding run-off into public drains.
- Scheduling: Allow enough time for the work to be completed without rushing, especially before autumn weather arrives.
By preparing in advance, the process runs more smoothly and with minimal disruption.
Why Professional Installation Is Essential
Although some homeowners may consider handling small outdoor projects themselves, a dropped kerb is never a DIY task. Councils insist that the work be carried out by approved contractors for good reason.
Professional installers provide:
- Compliance with council standards and legal requirements.
- Expertise in excavation, levelling, and surfacing techniques.
- Durability, ensuring the kerb withstands years of use and weather exposure.
- Peace of mind, with insurance and guarantees that protect your investment.
Attempting to install a dropped kerb without authorisation or professional skill risks costly mistakes and potential legal consequences.
Secure Your Dropped Kerb Before Autumn Arrives
A dropped kerb is a practical and legal necessity for any homeowner planning to drive onto their property. Timing your installation for August offers the best chance of a smooth process, with favourable weather, faster turnaround times, and readiness for the colder months ahead.
For homeowners across Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East, securing a trusted installer makes all the difference. With over 25 years of experience, M&C Paving Northeast delivers professional dropped kerb and driveway solutions that meet both council standards and homeowner expectations.
Don’t wait until autumn brings delays and complications. Contact M&C Paving Northeast today for a free, no-obligation quote and secure your dropped kerb installation before the season changes.
