Can I install a dropped kerb myself?

No. London highways works are reserved to council-approved Highways contractors. Unauthorised crossings will be reinstated by the council at the householder's cost (£2,500–£4,500 + the original construction cost wasted). Builderr only co-ordinates approved contractors.

How long does the council take to approve?

4–8 weeks typical. Wandsworth + Richmond are fastest (3–5 weeks). Westminster + K&C slowest (8–12 weeks because of CA + utility coordination). Refusals can be appealed but rarely overturned — better to amend the proposal to address refusal grounds and resubmit.

Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb?

Not for the kerb itself (Highways approval covers it). But the off-street parking it serves needs front garden paving compliance — see SUDS rule (paving >5m² must be permeable or drain to permeable ground).

Dropped Kerb Cost London 2026 | Builderr

How Much Does a Dropped Kerb Cost in London?

London dropped kerb costs £1,200–£3,800 supplied + installed by a council-approved Highways contractor (mandatory — you cannot use a private builder). Application fee £180–£395, decision 4–8 weeks. Refusal common on TfL red routes, within 10m of a junction, at bus stops, or where pavement width <1.8m post-crossing. Drive must already exist or be planned.

Cost breakdown by borough

Application fee: £180–£395 depending on borough (Wandsworth £230, Camden £325, Islington £270, Westminster £395, Croydon £180). Construction cost £1,000–£3,400: typical 3m-wide crossing on a residential road £1,250–£1,950; wider 4–5m crossing £2,200–£2,950; reinforced crossing for HGV/commercial £2,950–£3,400; granite-sett kerbs (conservation areas — Westminster, K&C, Camden CAs) £2,650–£3,800. Add £350–£650 if existing utility chambers need adjustment under the crossing. All boroughs require council-approved contractors only — list published on council website. You cannot use your own builder for the highway-side work (you can prep the drive side privately).

Application process and refusal grounds

Apply via borough Highways portal: site plan + photo of frontage + dimensions + intended drive surface. Site visit by Highways officer 2–3 weeks after application. Common refusal grounds: TfL red route (Westferry Road, A4, A406 etc.) — TfL approval needed separately and rarely granted; within 10m of road junction or pedestrian crossing; at or within 15m of bus stop; pavement width post-crossing <1.8m DDA-compliant; loss of on-street parking bay in CPZ; tree within 3m (tree officer veto); statutory undertaker apparatus in conflict. Conservation areas often require granite setts not concrete kerb — adds £900–£1,500.

Co-ordination with driveway works

Build sequence: (1) dropped kerb application submitted week 1, (2) drive design + planning check + SUDS soakaway design week 1–4, (3) Highways approval week 4–8, (4) book Highways contractor 2–4 weeks lead time, (5) Highways contractor on site 2–3 days same week as Builderr digs drive, (6) Builderr completes drive surface week after. Sequence matters: don't pay for a drive before kerb approved (you'll have a paved frontage you can't drive to). Builderr manages the full application + contractor liaison + drive co-ordination as standard.