Dropped Kerb Cost Guide
Dropped kerbs can be a great addition to any home, allowing easy access for deliveries, visitors and those with mobility issues. However, the cost of installing them is often prohibitively expensive – leaving some people unable to take advantage of this useful feature. In this article we explore the costs associated with dropped kerbs and what you can do if they're out of your budget.
Calculating The Price Of A Dropped Kerb
The cost of a dropped kerb depends on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the project. Generally speaking, it can range from £400 to £1,500 depending on the local authority's requirements and regulations. Additionally, there may be additional costs for public liability insurance if vehicles will be accessing your property via the dropped kerb. It is important to factor this into your budget when considering installing a dropped kerb.
Beyond these considerations, other costs may include any excavation work that needs to be done in order to install the dropped kerb correctly. This could involve pipe laying or groundworks which should also be taken into account before starting out with the installation process. So while it might seem like an expensive endeavour at first glance, weighing up all of the associated costs can help you make sure you're getting good value for money overall.
At times, making changes to your driveway may require permission from your local council; however, many homeowners are able to proceed without having to seek planning permission first. To ensure compliance with relevant legislation and avoid any potential fines further down the line, it's best to check what permissions are necessary prior to beginning work on a new vehicle access point in your driveway.
Considerations For Estimating The Cost
When it comes to estimating the cost of a dropped kerb, there are several considerations that must be made.
Firstly, it is important to consider any permission required for the installation. Generally, this means applying for planning permission from your local council and possibly getting approval from utility companies or other authorities if necessary.
Secondly, vehicle crossings may need to be installed so that vehicles can freely traverse between the street and driveway. This will incur additional costs depending upon the size and material used.
Finally, when considering drop kerb cost, one should also keep in mind any extra work such as drainage improvements which might be needed before installation can commence. All these factors should be taken into account when calculating how much installing a dropped kerb will cost you.
Benefits Of A Drop Kerb
Another advantage of opting for a drop kerb is the convenience of providing vehicular access to your property. Instead of having to park outside and walk, you can now drive up quickly and easily. This saves time and makes it easier for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions to access their home or business premises. Furthermore, installing a drop kerb could potentially add value to your property if you are looking to sell in the future.
| Benefit | Description | Cost Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Provides vehicular access to your property | Time Savings |
| Value Addition | Potentially adds market value when selling | No Cost Savings |
| Kerb Crossover | Enables construction of entrance/exit driveway |
Securing Planning Permission For A Dropped Kerb
Securing planning permission for a dropped kerb is an important step in the installation process. It's essential to ensure that all local regulations are carefully followed before any construction work can begin. Depending on your location, you may need to submit a formal application or provide notification of the proposed works in order to obtain approval.
When applying for planning permission, it's important to provide detailed plans and drawings indicating where the new kerb will be located. The precise measurements of the access point should also be included in order to facilitate accurate assessment by local authorities. If additional information is required, this must be submitted along with the original application form.
Failure to gain necessary consent could result in costly delays or even fines if the works proceed without authorisation. To minimise disruption and avoid potentially expensive penalties, homeowners should take extra care when securing proper planning permission before installing a dropped kerb.
The Number Of Kerbs You Need To Drop
Once you have secured planning permission for a dropped kerb, the next step is to decide how many kerbs need to be dropped. This will depend on the width of your vehicle crossing and where it meets the public highway. Generally, one kerb can span up to 4 metres in width; however, if your vehicle crossing exceeds this width then an additional kerb may be needed.
Dropping multiple kerbs requires more work than dropping just one as it involves breaking through the footway completely and re-constructing it with new materials afterwards. The amount of material required for each additional kerb drop increases significantly which results in a higher cost overall. It's important to factor this into any budget considerations when deciding how many kerbs need to be dropped.
When considering a kerb drop, it is also essential that you understand what type of channel will be used between them or whether they are being left open edged. A channel is usually filled with paving slabs or tarmac while an open edge would remain uncovered by either material — both options come at different costs so make sure you choose wisely according to your needs and budget constraints.
Making Good And Paving
Once permission is granted for a dropped kerb, the applicant must make good and pave the area. An application form is required to be completed in order to get started on this process. This should include details of what type of material is being used as well as proof that it has been approved by your local authority or parking area regulations.
The next step is to begin work on making good the existing surface so that it can accept paving materials. If there are any problems with access such as manholes or tree roots, these must also be dealt with at this stage. It's important to ensure proper drainage from the site before laying down new materials.
Finally, once everything else is complete, you can lay down pavement blocks or other paving materials which have been pre-approved by local authorities and adhere to parking area regulations. The finished project should then be inspected and signed off accordingly.
What's Involved In Dropping A Kerb
Now that you're aware of the costs associated with making good and paving to create a dropped kerb, let's take a look at what is involved in dropping the kerb itself. Depending on the location, size and depth it can be an expensive process as there are several steps involved including getting approval from the local council or highway authority.
The first step for creating a dropped kerb is to get an access point installed. This involves cutting into existing pavement and laying blockwork which will provide a firm base for construction vehicles to reach your property without causing damage to surrounding areas. The cost of this varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from £500-£1,000. Additionally, planning permission must often be obtained from the Local Authority if any changes need to be made to public highways such as pavements or verges.
Once all necessary permits have been obtained then work can begin on lowering the kerb itself. This usually requires excavation of tarmac followed by installation of concrete edging blocks and granite sets which help reduce erosion caused by traffic over time. Again, prices vary greatly according to job complexity however expect labour costs alone to range between £250-£750 per metre of new boundary wall constructed plus materials such as drainage channels may also be required. All in all these factors add up so it's important to carefully consider whether having a dropped kerb is right for you before investing in one!
Is It Possible To Get A Dropped Kerb For Free
It is possible to get a dropped kerb for free in some cases. The property owner may be eligible if they meet the criteria set by the council and submit an application. To determine eligibility, they must provide evidence of ownership of the land adjacent to the road where the dropped kerb will be constructed. If accepted, the applicant can have their dropped kerb installed without any cost.
Before submitting a planning application for a dropped kerb installation, it is important that applicants are familiar with all relevant regulations and guidelines from their local County Council. These include rules on vehicular access to unrestricted roads as well as safety considerations such as ensuring there is sufficient visibility when turning into or out of a driveway. It's also worth noting that certain types of driveways require more extensive foundation works than others, which could incur additional costs independent from those associated with obtaining permission from the council.
It's therefore wise to research various options before making a planning application and taking steps towards installing a new driveway with a dropped kerb at its entrance. Doing so can help ensure you understand what's required upfront and can adequately prepare ahead of time to avoid incurring unexpected costs further down the line.
Can I Park On A Dropped Kerb Outside My Own House
Many people wonder if they can park on a dropped kerb outside their own home. The answer lies in the local authority and is largely dependent on whether or not the homeowner has obtained permission from them to do so. In order to find out, the owner must submit a planning application that gives details of why they want a dropped kerb installed. Here are four key points to consider when making this request:
- A standard planning application should be made with all relevant information included, such as access property dimensions and proposed use for the vehicle space.
- It's important to check with your local authority about any additional requirements for installation - these may include permits, inspections or surveys before any construction work takes place.
- The cost of installing a dropped kerb varies depending on where you live and how large an area needs to be covered; some councils charge up to £1000 for this service while others provide it free of charge (depending on circumstances).
- Any works carried out without prior approval could result in legal action by the local council, which can include fines or even removal orders for unauthorised parking spaces!
Doing The Work Yourself
If you want to do the work of installing a dropped kerb yourself, there are certain steps and requirements that must be followed. The first step is to get permission from your local city council. You will need to apply for permission with them before any works can commence.
| City Council | Need Apply | Approved Contractors |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | No |
| No | No | Yes |
It's important that you select an approved contractor if the council does not allow you to undertake the work yourself. When it comes to selecting the right contractor, make sure they have experience in this type of work so that they understand all relevant regulations and safety guidelines. Additionally, check their customer reviews prior to making a decision on which company to use.
When having a contractor perform the job for you, always ensure that they provide proof that they have obtained necessary permissions from your local city council and/or other authorities involved in completing the project. This will help avoid unnecessary delays or costs associated with additional paperwork later down the line should something go wrong. Be sure to also obtain written confirmation from your chosen contractor with details outlining exactly what services they will provide as part of their fee agreement. Following these simple tips should help ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the process of getting your new kerb installed correctly and safely.
Considering Alternative Access Solutions
When the cost of a dropped kerb may be too prohibitive, there are other access solutions to consider. One option is to create an access route through your front garden and onto the public highway. This will require permission from your local council's planning department before any work can begin, but it could provide you with a more affordable solution than having a dropped kerb installed.
The process for creating an access route involves several stages, beginning with digging out a pathway in your front garden that meets all safety requirements as set by the council. The path should lead directly to the public highway without obstructing traffic or pedestrians on their way past. Once this has been done, a layer of hardcore material such as tarmac must be laid down, followed by paving slabs or gravel if desired.
You may need assistance completing this job; specialist contractors are available who understand the rules surrounding access routes and can help guide you through the process. Whatever method you choose to create access to your driveway, make sure you obtain proper approval from your local authority first – otherwise you risk being fined or having to undo any work already completed.
How Local Councils Assess Requests For Dropped Kerbs
Local councils assess requests for dropped kerbs according to several factors. It's important to understand what these are and how they affect the cost of the job.
Firstly, each local council will have its own policies in place with regard to dropped kerb installation. These need to be taken into account when considering a request. Most borough councils require residents who wish to install a dropped kerb to apply for permission from their local authority before any work begins.
Once an application has been approved, there are several other considerations that can influence the final price:
- The material used for construction - this will vary depending on the location and type of road surface;
- For tarmac roads, asphalt is usually the most cost effective option;
- For gravel or grass verges, concrete may be more appropriate.
In addition, it's worth bearing in mind that some borough councils charge additional fees which must be paid at time of installation – such as an administration fee or a permit fee. This could add up to around £100-£150 onto the average cost of installing a dropped kerb.
Common Reasons Why Councils Refuse Permission
There are a number of reasons why local councils may refuse permission for dropped kerbs.
One reason is that the vehicle access point onto the public highway may be deemed as too close to an existing junction or junction islands, which could increase danger and congestion on the road.
Another possible reason is if there's not enough space between the kerb-line and any obstructions such as trees, street furniture and signs can create a hazard when turning off or entering the highway.
A further consideration is whether the council feel that allowing this type of work will set an unwelcome precedent; opening up other roads in their area to similar applications with potentially dangerous consequences.
Local authorities also take into account where they believe it would be more appropriate to provide an alternative form of access such as a shared driveway or private lane from another location rather than undertaking expensive works on a public highway. They might even consider making use of existing vehicular crossings already present in front of adjacent properties. Ultimately, all decisions taken by local councils must ensure that safety remains paramount at all times whilst also taking into account relevant planning policies for areas within their jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Usually Take To Install A Dropped Kerb?
- The type of surface: The first factor that affects how long it takes to install a dropped kerb is what type of surface you are working on, as this determines the amount of preparation required before starting any installation. If there is existing asphalt, concrete or tarmac then the job may take less time than if you are laying from scratch over soil or gravel.
- Local Authority Permit: Depending on where you live, you may need permission from your local authority in order to have a dropped kerb installed - this will add additional time onto project completion due to the paperwork involved with getting authorisation.
- Experience Level: Lastly, another key consideration when looking at how long it takes to install a dropped kerb is who does the job; more experienced contractors tend to complete jobs quicker than those with limited experience so make sure whoever you choose has good credentials and references before making a decision.
Overall, installing a dropped kerb can range from taking one day up to several weeks depending upon various factors such as surface condition, permit requirements and contractor experience level – but generally speaking most projects should take around 5-7 days to complete once all necessary preparations have been made.
Are There Any Restrictions On The Type Of Vehicles That Can Park On A Dropped Kerb?
The most common types of vehicles that can use a dropped kerb are cars, vans and small trucks with an overall weight limit not exceeding 7 tonnes. If you need to access your property with larger commercial vehicles then planning permission may be required for them to do so legally. Vehicles over 3 metres high may also require special permission.
Is There A Minimum Distance To Keep Between A Dropped Kerb And A Streetlight?
The answer to this question depends on several variables, such as local regulations and specific requirements set by the relevant authority. Generally speaking, however, a gap of at least 2m should be left between a dropped kerb and any streetlight for safety reasons. This helps ensure that anyone crossing over has enough space to do so without risking injury from passing traffic.
Are There Any Restrictions On The Type Of Materials Used For Dropped Kerbs?
Dropped kerbs must adhere to certain standards when it comes to materials in order for them to achieve maximum longevity. For example, concrete should be mixed with sand or gravel as well as water-resistant admixtures and fibres in order to make sure it can withstand any weather conditions or ground movement over time. Other materials such as asphalt and decorative stones also have their own set of requirements for installation.
Is There A Maximum Number Of Dropped Kerbs That Can Be Installed Outside A Single Property?
Here's what you should know:
- The exact number of dropped kerbs allowed depends on local regulations and ordinances.
- Dropped kerbs also depend upon the size of the area in front of your house or business.
- It may also depend on other factors such as drainage and local traffic flow.
In some cases, it might not be possible to install more than one dropped kerb due to restrictions related to space availability or visual impact considerations. You'll need to check with your local municipality about any special rules regarding how many dropped kerbs can be installed outside a single property before making any plans for installation. Additionally, keep in mind that every additional dropped kerb will increase the cost of installation significantly. So if you do decide to go ahead with multiple installations, make sure you consider all financial implications carefully.