Guides · 4 min
Dropped kerbs and front parking
A driveway is a highway question as well as a planning question.
Who says yes
Lowering the kerb is agreed with the highway authority, which in London is often the borough. You need their permission to cross the pavement. Planning permission can also be needed for a new hard surface, or for a new access, depending on the road and the size.
On a classified road, or where the pavement is busy, a new crossover is harder. The highway team worry about sight lines and where cars will actually sit.
Front gardens
Paving a front garden has drainage rules. A large non-porous surface can need planning permission. Some streets have an Article 4 direction that protects front gardens.
Check with your council. Rules change, and every house is different.
Questions
Is a dropped kerb part of the extension report?
Only if it is relevant to the address. It is a separate consent from the extension itself.
Can I park in the front garden without a dropped kerb?
Driving over the pavement without a proper crossover is not allowed. Do not assume the kerb will be dropped later.
Check with your council. Rules change, and every house is different.