How Much Does It Cost To Drop A Kerb?

How Much Does A Dropped Kerb Cost?

How Much Is Planning Permission For A Dropped Kerb?

The cost of planning permission for a dropped kerb varies depending upon the local authority and the specific circumstances of the project.

In most cases, you’ll have to submit a planning application to your local council and pay a fee for them to process your application. They’ll then want to visit the site and after the works are complete, they’ll also want to inspect it to ensure the plans were followed.

The fee for a planning application for a dropped kerb can typically range from £100 to £300 or more. However, some councils may offer reduced fees for small developments, such as a dropped kerb for a single dwelling.

Note: This is an added fee on top of the approximate costs in the table above.

What Factors Affect the Cost To Drop A Kerb?

1. Location: The cost of labour and materials can vary depending on where you are located in the UK.
2. Access: If the site is easy to access and doesn’t require special equipment, the cost will be lower.
3. Underground Utilities: If there are any underground utilities, such as gas, electric, fibre optics or water lines that need to be located and marked before work can begin, it’ll add to the overall cost.
4. Size and Complexity: The size and complexity of the job is a major factor in the overall costs to drop a kerb. For example, a simple, straight drop kerb will cost less than a more complex job that involves curves or turns.
5. Council Planning Permission Fees: Each council has their own guidelines and requirements when it comes to kerb dropping. This means that certain areas will cost more for planning permission (and specific works) than other areas of the UK.
6. Materials: The type of materials used in the kerb dropping process can also affect the cost. For example, many people who drop a kerb may also have a new block paving driveway. Therefore, they may decide to match the dropped kerb with their driveway by using block paving (subject to planning).

How To Drop A Kerb

To give you an idea of what was involved to drop the kerb, below is a brief guide:

1. Obtain planning permission from your local council
2. Excavate the existing kerb
3. Install the new dropped kerbs
4. Lay a new base and hardcore
5. Lay a base course of tarmac
6. Compact the base
7. Install a new edging kerb
8. Lay a wearing course of tarmac
9. Compact the wearing course
10. Cut the edges of the tarmac to the correct profile
11. Re-instate any paving
12. Dispose of any excess materials.

Can The Council Refuse Planning Permission?

Although dropping a kerb generally isn’t a major task, it does pose some risks that may lead to your planning permission being declined. Below are some of the reasons why a council may decide to refuse your planning permission to drop a kerb:

1. Safety: It may create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicles. For example, if it’s located near a busy road or a blind corner.
2. Drainage: It may cause problems with drainage, such as flooding or erosion. Another drainage issue is that the existing drainage infrastructure is not adequate to handle the additional water runoff.
3. Traffic Flow: The council may feel that the proposed dropped kerb would disrupt the flow of traffic nearby thus creating congestion or other problems on the road.
4. Damage to Infrastructure: It may damage existing infrastructure, such as pavements, curbs or utility lines.
5. Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings: If the property or the surrounding area is a conservation area or contains a listed building, the dropped kerb may be seen as inappropriate and harm the character of the area.

Before & After Dropping A Kerb

We recently dropped a kerb at one of our properties and it made a big difference to the overall look and feel of the property.

Before

During

After

Can You Drop A Kerb Yourself?

The short answer is no. This is because councils require that dropped kerbs are installed by approved contractors. This is to ensure safety, quality, compliance with regulations and responsibility. Approved contractors are also vetted by the council and must meet certain standards in terms of the quality of their work.

Additionally, approved contractors are required to have insurance which protects them in the event of any accidents or damage that may occur during the installation process. They are also familiar with the relevant local regulations and guidelines.

Conclusion

Dropping a kerb at your house or place of work can make a huge difference and it’s something that we’ve done multiple times. Each time we’ve required planning permission and had to use one of many council-approved contractors.

With regards to the cost to drop a kerb, it does vary but our approximate costs should provide you with guidance when you begin your search for quotes.

If you require further information with regards to the cost to drop a kerb, feel free to get in touch and we will try to help out where possible.