Extending or widening a dropped kerb

Widening (or extending) an existing dropped kerb needs the same council permission as a new one. Usually it's the same application, sometimes with a different fee. Here's what councils we've checked say.

Do you need permission to widen a dropped kerb?

Yes. Lowering more kerbs changes the public highway, so you need your highway authority's consent, just as for a new crossing. Hampshire's and Birmingham's online forms cover both new crossings and extensions.

Width rules for extensions

• Birmingham: the minimum extension is 0.9 m, the length of one standard kerb. Extensions are considered up to 4.5 m (5 lowered kerbs). The existing dropped kerb isn't renewed at the same time unless you pay extra.
• Lincolnshire: extensions of up to 2 m through a third-party contractor cost £235 (a new access is £470).
• Bradford: extensions are charged at £1,596 plus VAT (a new standard crossing is £1,995 plus VAT). Bradford's maximum is 5 flat kerbs and 2 tapered.
• Essex: a single crossing can have 4 to 5 dropped kerbs (3.6 to 4.5 m) plus 2 ramp kerbs.
• Buckinghamshire: no wider than 4.6 m including tapered kerbs. Kingston: 4 m maximum. Coventry: 3.6 m maximum (4.5 m shared).
• Hampshire: a Section 184 licence covers crossings under 10 m wide; anything wider, or anything that removes trees or drainage, needs a Section 278 agreement.
• Lancashire: one application can cover a joint crossing for 2 homes if the total width is no more than 6 m.

What it costs

You'll usually pay the council's normal application fee (see the fee table), plus building costs for the extra kerbs. Use the calculator: choose the number of dropped kerbs you'll end up with.

Does widening need planning permission?

The same rules apply as for a new access: on an A, B or C road, for flats, or for a non-porous front driveway over 5 m², you'll need planning permission in England. See the planning guide.

Questions people ask

Can I widen my dropped kerb for a second car?

Often, if your frontage has room for two cars side by side without overhanging the pavement and the council's maximum width allows it. Check your council's depth and width rules first.

Can I just lower one more kerb myself?

No. Work on the public highway needs the council's permission, and usually a qualified street works contractor with a licence. Birmingham says kerbs can only be dropped by applying through the council.