Dropped kerbs in City of Cardiff Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply
Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with City of Cardiff Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 4 October 2026.
Cardiff: Vehicle crossover licence
Who builds dropped kerbs in Cardiff?
Cardiff Council or its nominated contractor is the only provider of vehicle crossovers in Cardiff. After you apply, an inspector visits; if the crossover is approved, you receive a quotation for the work on the public highway, which must be accepted within 6 months.
Wales has its own planning rules. Vehicle crossings in Wales come under section 184 of the Highways Act 1980, as in England, but permitted development rights are set by the Welsh Government, so England's planning guidance doesn't apply. See the Welsh Government's householder permitted development technical guide (PDF) or ask Cardiff's planning team.
You don't need to find a contractor for the crossing. Cardiff builds dropped kerbs itself, so apply to the council and pay its quote. Use our printable checklist and timeline to get your application right first time. You can still choose your own builder for the driveway.
How much does a dropped kerb cost in Cardiff?
Homeowner application fee: £263. Non-refundable application fee, paid by card before your application is processed; it covers the inspector's review and assessment, and administration.
Total council fees: £263 (plus the council's price for building it).
Building it: Cardiff's prices for a 3m crossover: £1,989.40 (6mm bitumen tarmac), £2,039.40 (hot rolled asphalt or modular paving), £2,064.40 (concrete). For a 4.8m crossover: £2,984.40 (tarmac), £3,064.40 (hot rolled asphalt or modular paving), £3,104.40 (concrete). Prices include materials, labour and administration, and cover the public highway only.
Estimate your total for Cardiff with the calculator
How to apply in Cardiff
- On a classified road, get planning permission first (a copy is needed before you apply); tenants need the landlord's written approval.
- Apply online and pay the £263 fee.
- The council inspects; if approved, it emails a quote and terms and conditions, to be accepted within 6 months.
- Around 4 to 8 weeks after payment, the council contacts you to schedule the work.
How long it takes
- Construction is scheduled around 4 to 8 weeks after payment.
Size and siting rules
- Single crossover 2.4m to 3 metres wide; double crossover up to 4.8 metres.
- Forecourt at least 4.8 metres deep; vehicles park at 90 degrees to the kerb.
- Closer than 10m to a junction may be refused; a minimum clearance of 1m to street furniture.
Good to know
- Street trees won't be removed for a crossover; if tree roots are likely to be affected, the application will be refused.
- Two crossings serving one property aren't normally permitted.
- There's no appeal if refused (you can request a review), and the application fee isn't refunded.
Ready to apply in Cardiff?
Check your property qualifies and have everything ready, then apply on the council's own website.
Cardiff: Vehicle crossover licence Eligibility checker Printable checklist
Nearby councils
- Vale of Glamorgan Council: £280 total council fees, not stated: ask
- Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council: £152 total council fees, council or your contractor
- Caerphilly County Borough Council: Not published, council builds
- Newport City Council: £100 total council fees, council builds
Dropped kerb guides
Sources (official, checked 4 October 2026)