Dropped Kerb Guide

Dropped kerbs in Orkney Islands Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply

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

Homeowner application fee£233Fee shown on Orkney's pages on 4 Oct 2026
Total council fees£233No other council fees published. Building it costs extra.
Who builds itAny qualified contractorYour own qualified contractor
Decision timeNot published
Permission valid forNot published

Orkney: Permits and applications (dropped kerbs and new vehicle access)

Who builds dropped kerbs in Orkney?

To create a new vehicle access from a public road in Orkney you need the council's permission first, through a Minor Works Permit. You choose a contractor, whose supervisor's SWQR number goes on the application; personnel must be trained and accredited in signing, lighting and guarding.

Scotland has its own rules. Under section 56 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, no works can be carried out in a public road without the roads authority's written consent, so Orkney gives permission as the roads authority (often called a road opening permit or dropped kerb permit). England's Highways Act and planning rules don't apply in Scotland: ask Orkney's planning team whether your driveway or access needs planning permission.

How much does a dropped kerb cost in Orkney?

Homeowner application fee: £233. Minor Works Permit to construct an access or vehicular crossing, from the Road Services permits and charges 2026 to 2027 (retrospective permits cost 25% more).

Total council fees: £233 (construction not included).

Building it: Orkney 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 Orkney with the calculator

Contractor requirements in Orkney

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

How to apply in Orkney

  1. Check whether you need planning permission (for example on classified roads).
  2. Complete the Minor Works Permit application with your contractor's details and pay £233.
  3. Make sure your contractor's price covers the permit conditions; Orkney advises not paying until the work is approved.

Ready to apply in Orkney?

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

Orkney: Permits and applications (dropped kerbs and new vehicle access) Eligibility checker Printable checklist

Nearby councils

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)