Dropped kerbs in East Sussex County Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply

Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with East Sussex County Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 3 October 2026.

East Sussex Highways: Apply online (vehicle dropped crossing)

Who builds dropped kerbs in East Sussex?

East Sussex Highways (the county council's highways service) uses a two-phase licence. You apply first (phase 1); if approved, you must appoint a contractor registered with Trading Standards' Buy With Confidence scheme, and the contractor applies for the phase 2 construction licence. You can't use your own contractor unless they're on that approved list.

How much does a dropped kerb cost in East Sussex?

Homeowner application fee: £147. Phase 1 homeowner licence fee (licence valid 6 months). Fees are paid in advance and aren't refunded, including if you're refused.

Phase 2 construction licence (your contractor applies): £265

Total council fees: £412 (construction not included).

Building it: East Sussex 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 East Sussex with the calculator

Contractor requirements in East Sussex

• Registered with Trading Standards' Buy With Confidence scheme (on East Sussex Highways' approved list)
• NRSWA accredited
• £10 million public liability insurance
• Holds utility plant records before starting

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

How to apply in East Sussex

1. Check whether you need planning permission (classified A, B or C road, conservation area, or surface water not kept within your property) and get it first.
2. Apply online for the phase 1 vehicle crossover licence and pay £147.
3. An officer inspects; a decision can take up to 8 weeks. If approved, you get a licence valid for 6 months.
4. Appoint a Buy With Confidence contractor from the approved list. They apply for the phase 2 construction licence (£265) with at least 14 days' notice.
5. The contractor builds the crossing after your driveway is in place and maintains it for 12 months.

How long it takes

• Decision can take up to 8 weeks.
• The phase 1 licence is valid for 6 months; phase 2 must be completed within that time.
• Phase 2 needs at least 14 days' notice (21 days if multi-phase traffic control is needed).

Size and siting rules

• Parking space at least 5 m long and 2.5 m wide, perpendicular to the road.
• Refused if closer than 15 m to a junction on a major road.
• Street furniture within 1.5 m must be moved at your expense.
• Maximum crossover gradient 1:12 (8%).

Good to know

• Refusals can't be appealed; to reapply you pay the fee again.
• A controlled parking bay outside your home needs a Traffic Regulation Order change first, considered in a parking review every 14 to 16 months.

Nearby councils

• Brighton & Hove City Council: £728.20 total council fees, any qualified contractor
• Kent County Council: £500 total council fees, any qualified contractor
• Surrey County Council: £383 total council fees, council's own list only
• West Sussex County Council: £524 total council fees, any qualified contractor

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