Dropped kerbs in Darlington Borough Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply

Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with Darlington Borough Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 4 October 2026.

Darlington: Section 184 licence application (PDF)

Who builds dropped kerbs in Darlington?

Darlington can do the work for you, or you can use your own contractor. Your contractor must build to the council's design and specification, hold £5 million public liability insurance and valid NRSWA street works cards, and a section 184 licence must be signed by the council before any work.

How much does a dropped kerb cost in Darlington?

Homeowner application fee: £150 (with your own contractor). Section 184 licence fee for each vehicle crossing to a single domestic dwelling (£300 for multiple dwellings, commercial and industrial). If an application is refused, the fee is refunded less £25.

Total council fees: £150 (construction not included).

If Darlington builds it: £25 estimate fee (deducted from the final cost), then the council's estimate, paid in full before work starts.

Building it: Darlington doesn't publish a typical construction price. Councils that do publish prices quote roughly £1,000 to £3,500 for a standard crossing.

Estimate your total for Darlington with the calculator

Contractor requirements in Darlington

• Builds to Darlington's design and specification
• Public liability insurance of at least £5 million
• Valid NRSWA street works cards (copies with the application)
• Traffic management plan on a classified road (Chapter 8)

How to check street works cards and insurance before you hire: our guide to dropped kerb contractors.

How to apply in Darlington

1. Check whether you need planning permission (classified roads are listed on Darlington's page).
2. Council route: pay the £25 estimate fee; Darlington meets you on site, agrees the location and gives an estimate, which must be paid in full before work starts.
3. Own contractor route: send sections 1 and 2 of the section 184 application to Section184applications@darlington.gov.uk and pay the £150 fee by phone.
4. Darlington needs 10 working days to process the licence once it has everything; don't start until the signed licence is returned to you.
5. Return the Notification of Works form and give the street works notice period before work starts.

How long it takes

• Requests for an estimate or a licence could take up to 10 weeks.
• Licence processing: 10 working days once the application is granted.
• Construction could take up to four months, because utility companies must be contacted first.

Good to know

• Common reasons for refusal: a highway tree, street lighting column or BT pole close by; closeness to a junction; a gradient so steep cars would ground.
• If remedial work is needed within 24 months because of poor workmanship, the licensee is told what to fix.

Nearby councils

• Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council: Not published, council or your contractor
• Durham County Council: £171 total council fees, council's own list only
• North Yorkshire Council: £310.20 total council fees, council's own list only

Dropped kerb guides

Dropped kerb cost
Council fees compared, plus a cost calculator How to apply, step by step
Documents, timescales and refusals Do you need planning permission?
A quick decision flow for England Rules and sizes
Depth, junctions, trees and width