Dropped kerbs

We have a protocol to make sure all dropped kerbs for vehicular property access are implemented as safely as possible.

If you would like to install or widen a dropped kerb at your property please  download the dropped kerb application form [432.85KB] and return it to us using the address listed below.

For help with your application, view our domestic vehicle crossing notes for guidance.

Speak with our planning section if:

• you live in a conservation area, there may be restrictions
• your property is on a classified road 
  • A roads - major roads intended to provide large scale transport links within or between areas.
  • B roads - roads intended to connect different areas, and to feed traffic between A roads and smaller roads on the network.
  • C roads - classified unnumbered - smaller roads intended to connect together unclassified roads with A and B roads, and often linking a housing estate or a village to the rest of the network.
  • Unclassified - local roads intended for local traffic. 60% of roads in the UK fall within this category.

Your application will be refused if:

• the parking area is less than five metres deep

• you're extending an existing driveway over 6.3 metres

• your driveway is within 15m of a major road junction or 10m from any other junction

• your driveway is close to a bus stop (within 18m of the bus stop flag)

• your driveway is less than one metre from street furniture

• there is an existing parking bay in front of the access

• there is less than two metres visibility either side

• water would drain onto the highway from your drive

For more details, read our domestic vehicle crossing notes for guidance..

Investigations will be needed or assessments carried out if there's:

• a canopy of trees over the proposed drop kerb
• manhole covers or iron works on the footprint of the proposed drop kerb
• a steep verge or footway as vehicles would be at risk of grounding, it should be no greater than one in six
• any right of access on the land you wish to park on or cross over

You will need to provide the following where appropriate:

• a detailed sketch with dimensions of your proposed driveway and dropped kerb
• if your property is rented, written permission from your private landlord, housing associations or The Gateshead Housing company where applicable
• evidence of planning permission if your property is on a classified (A, B or C) road

It can take up to 10 weeks for a decision. No work should start without our written permission.