Dropped kerbs in Sunderland City Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply
Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with Sunderland City Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 4 October 2026.
Sunderland: Apply for a dropped kerb
Who builds dropped kerbs in Sunderland?
Sunderland assesses dropped kerb applications against its protocol under section 184 of the Highways Act 1980. If yours is approved, the council sends you a quote for the works; if you go ahead with its quote you pay in full and the works are carried out within 4 to 6 weeks. Its pages don't say whether you can use your own contractor.
Who builds it isn't stated. Sunderland's website doesn't say whether the council builds the crossing or you hire a contractor. Ask the council before you pay anyone, and check any contractor's street works qualifications and insurance.
How much does a dropped kerb cost in Sunderland?
Homeowner application fee: Not published. Sunderland's pages don't publish an application fee. If you cancel the works after paying, you're refunded your payment minus £73.57 for administration.
Building it: Sunderland's typical cost for a standard 2.7 metres crossing on a standard 1.8 metres footway is approximately £1,900, and extensions to existing crossings are approximately £750 per metre. These are general estimates (kerb lowering and footway or verge alterations, including materials, labour, traffic management and equipment hire); actual costs may vary.
Estimate your total for Sunderland with the calculator
Contractor requirements in Sunderland
- Not stated on the council's pages: ask when you apply
How to check street works cards and insurance before you hire: our guide to dropped kerb contractors.
How to apply in Sunderland
- On a classified (A, B or C) road you need planning permission first; in a conservation area there may be restrictions.
- Read the guidance notes, then apply online with a dimensioned sketch and, if you rent, your landlord's written permission.
- Sunderland tells you its decision, usually around 10 working days after it receives your application; there's no formal appeals process.
- If approved, you receive a quotation; pay it in full to go ahead, and the works are carried out within 4 to 6 weeks (longer in winter).
How long it takes
- Decision: around 10 working days from receipt of your application.
- Works within 4 to 6 weeks of full payment, subject to weather.
Size and siting rules
- Parking area at least 5 metres long (5.5 metres with an up and over garage door).
- Maximum crossing width 4.8 metres, including taper kerbs and any existing crossing.
- More than 15 metres from a major road junction or 10 metres from any other junction; not within 18 metres of a bus stop flag; 1 metre from utility apparatus.
- A 2 x 2 metre visibility splay either side; the gradient where the crossing joins the road must be less than 1:6.
Ready to apply in Sunderland?
Check your property qualifies and have everything ready, then apply on the council's own website.
Sunderland: Apply for a dropped kerb Eligibility checker Printable checklist
Nearby councils
- Durham County Council: £171 total council fees, council's own list only
- South Tyneside Council: Not published, council or your contractor
- Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council: £262.80 total council fees, not stated: ask
Dropped kerb guides
Sources (official, checked 4 October 2026)