Dropped Kerbs Explained: From Planning Permission to Installation
For many homeowners, creating a new driveway means more than just paving—it also involves safely accessing the road. A dropped kerb (also known as a lowered kerb) allows vehicles to cross the pavement without damaging the edge or obstructing pedestrians.
In the North East, installing a dropped kerb is a regulated process that requires both planning approval and professional construction. Getting it right ensures safety, compliance, and long-term durability. This guide explains what’s involved, from permission to installation, and how professional help can save time and costly mistakes.
What Is a Dropped Kerb and Why It Matters
A dropped kerb is a section of pavement that has been lowered to create smooth access between the road and a driveway. It prevents damage to both the pavement and your vehicle while maintaining a safe route for pedestrians and water run-off.
Without a properly installed dropped kerb, driving over a standard pavement edge is illegal and can lead to fines or repair costs from the local authority. A compliant installation also protects the integrity of the footpath and ensures your property meets local planning and highway standards.
When You Need Planning Permission
In most North East councils—including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas—you must obtain permission before modifying a public pavement. The process varies by authority but typically involves submitting an application with drawings, photographs, and proof of property ownership.
Approval is usually required if:
- You’re creating a new driveway or vehicle access where none existed before.
- Your property fronts a classified road (A or B road).
- You’re altering the width or gradient of an existing access.
- You’re crossing a public footpath, verge, or drainage channel.
Applications are assessed to ensure the work won’t compromise public safety, utilities, or visibility for motorists and pedestrians. Once approved, installation must be carried out by a council-approved contractor—this is where trusted local specialists like M&C Paving Northeast come in.
The Application Process Step by Step
Getting approval for a dropped kerb may sound complex, but the process follows a clear structure:
- Initial Enquiry: Contact your local council or visit its website to check requirements and download the application form.
- Site Assessment: Provide photos and a basic plan of your property showing the proposed driveway and kerb position.
- Payment of Application Fee: Most councils charge an assessment fee, which covers the cost of a site visit by a highways officer.
- Council Inspection: A highways officer visits to confirm suitability—checking visibility, gradient, existing drains, and potential utility conflicts.
- Approval or Conditions: You’ll receive written consent or a list of modifications needed before work can proceed.
- Hire an Approved Contractor: The installation must meet strict technical standards set by the council.
Professional contractors handle much of this paperwork and liaison on your behalf, helping avoid rejections or costly delays.
Site Requirements to Meet Before Work Begins
Not every property automatically qualifies for a dropped kerb. Local authorities typically assess several practical conditions:
- Driveway Depth: There must be enough distance between your house and the pavement (often at least 4.8 metres) to park safely without overhanging the footpath.
- Surface Gradient: The slope should not be too steep for safe vehicle movement.
- Visibility: Adequate sightlines must be maintained for pedestrians and traffic.
- Drainage: The new access should not channel water onto the public highway.
- Boundaries and Trees: Work must not interfere with street trees, lamp posts, or utility covers.
Meeting these conditions ensures the application proceeds smoothly and that the final installation performs as intended.
What Professional Installation Involves
Once approval is granted, the installation process can usually be completed in just a few days by a qualified contractor. The work typically includes:
- Excavation: The pavement is carefully cut and removed along the approved access width.
- Kerb Replacement: Existing upright kerbs are removed and replaced with lowered kerb stones to form a smooth transition.
- Base Preparation: A compacted hardcore base (usually MOT Type 1) is laid for strength and stability.
- Re-paving or Tarmacking: The new section of pavement is surfaced with materials that match or complement the existing path.
- Finishing and Inspection: Once complete, the site is cleaned and inspected to confirm it meets highway standards.
Professional installation ensures correct alignment with road levels, secure bedding of kerb stones, and proper drainage fall—details that prevent premature wear and standing water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Homeowners sometimes attempt to install or modify kerbs without approval, unaware that doing so can lead to enforcement action. Councils can issue penalties or require the work to be removed at the homeowner’s expense.
Other common errors include:
- Hiring unapproved contractors who don’t meet local highway specifications.
- Overlooking drainage, leading to puddling or driveway flooding.
- Using mismatched materials that affect appearance or durability.
- Failing to set correct gradients, resulting in unsafe vehicle access.
Engaging a certified contractor from the start ensures compliance and long-term quality.
Integrating Your Dropped Kerb with a New Driveway
A dropped kerb installation is often part of a larger home improvement project. Aligning both elements guarantees a cohesive, functional result.
When paired with a new resin, tarmac, or block-paved driveway, the kerb serves as both an entry point and a design feature. Matching materials, edging, and colours creates a seamless transition from pavement to property.
Professional installers plan both simultaneously—ensuring the sub-base levels, drainage channels, and edging work together for durability and style. This unified approach also reduces disruption and overall project time.
Sustainability and Smart Design Considerations
Modern driveway design increasingly focuses on sustainability and aesthetics alongside practicality. A properly installed dropped kerb can enhance water management when integrated with permeable paving or resin-bound surfaces that comply with SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) standards.
These solutions allow rainwater to filter naturally through the driveway rather than run off onto the road, reducing flood risk and maintaining local drainage balance. Environmentally conscious homeowners can combine a dropped kerb with eco-friendly materials such as recycled aggregates or sustainably sourced edging stones.
Smart design ensures that your new access looks elegant, performs reliably, and supports environmental goals.
Professional vs DIY: Why It’s Worth Hiring Experts
While some homeowners are tempted to take on kerb work themselves, the legal and technical requirements make this risky. Councils demand that contractors carry valid public liability insurance, street works accreditation, and adherence to highway specifications.
Professional installers like M&C Paving Northeast handle every stage—from submitting drawings to final surfacing—ensuring compliance and efficiency. Their experience with local authorities means smoother approvals and fewer unexpected complications, especially when utilities or drainage lines are present near the site.
In the long term, a professionally installed dropped kerb adds safety, value, and visual appeal to your property—without the headaches of legal or structural issues.
Your Next Step to Safe, Legal Access
A dropped kerb is more than just a practical feature—it’s the gateway to your home. Done right, it provides convenience, boosts kerb appeal, and meets all regulatory requirements. Done wrong, it can lead to fines and future repairs.
If you’re planning a new driveway or need to regularise an existing access, now is the perfect time to start. The approval process can take several weeks, so early planning ensures installation is complete before winter sets in.
Contact M&C Paving Northeast today for expert guidance on dropped kerb applications and professional installation across the North East. Their experienced team manages permissions, liaises with local councils, and delivers compliant, long-lasting results you can trust.
