Dropped Kerb Guide

Dropped kerbs in Department for Infrastructure (DfI Roads): fee, who builds it and how to apply

Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with Department for Infrastructure (DfI Roads), from its official nidirect pages. Last checked 4 October 2026.

Homeowner application feeNo fee published (deposit assessed)No application fee shown on nidirect or the DfI Article 80 form on 4 Oct 2026; DfI assesses a returnable deposit if approved
Total council feesNot publishedNo other council fees published. Building it costs extra.
Who builds itAny qualified contractorYour own qualified contractor
Decision timeNot published
Permission valid forNot published

nidirect: Apply to build or alter a vehicular access (dropped kerb)

Who builds dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, councils don't handle dropped kerbs: the Department for Infrastructure (DfI Roads, through its TRAM offices) gives consent under Article 80 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 for an access where planning permission isn't needed. If approved, you carry out the works, pay a deposit the Department assesses, indemnify it and hold adequate insurance.

One authority for all of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland's 11 councils don't handle dropped kerbs. DfI Roads gives consent under Article 80 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 for these council areas: Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Belfast, Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry City and Strabane, Fermanagh and Omagh, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid and East Antrim, Mid Ulster and Newry, Mourne and Down. Northern Ireland's planning rules are separate from England's.

How much does a dropped kerb cost in Northern Ireland?

Homeowner application fee: No fee published (deposit assessed). No application fee is shown. If approved, you pay a monetary deposit assessed by DfI before work starts; it's returned once any damage to the road is made good and maintained for 6 months.

Building it: Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland with the calculator

Contractor requirements in Northern Ireland

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

How to apply in Northern Ireland

  1. Article 80 consent only covers accesses that are permitted development, normally onto unclassified roads; A, B and C roads, commercial accesses and some conservation areas need planning permission.
  2. Print and fill in the Article 80 application form with a dimensioned plan or sketch, and send it to your local DfI TRAM Development Control office.
  3. If approved, pay the assessed deposit; the local DfI TRAM maintenance office issues a Road Opening Consent and a Permanent Restoration Notice.
  4. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission within 21 days.

How long it takes

Good to know

Ready to apply in Northern Ireland?

Check your property qualifies and have everything ready, then apply on the council's own website.

nidirect: Apply to build or alter a vehicular access (dropped kerb) Eligibility checker Printable checklist

Dropped kerb guides

Dropped kerb cost
Council fees compared, plus a cost calculator How to apply, step by step
Including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Who builds a dropped kerb?
Council, its list or your own contractor Rules and sizes
Depth, junctions, trees and width

Sources (official, checked 4 October 2026)