Before you start
Broxbourne Council follows the dropped kerb policy set by Hertfordshire County Council. The key details and dimensions are provided below, but you can find the full policy on the HCC website.
You will need the following to apply for a dropped kerb:
- measurements of your driveway
- plan of where you want the dropped kerb
- £132 to get an assessment of your driveway and pavement
- read the conditions for approval, estimated costs and the application timeline
Dimensions
There must be a minimum depth of 5 metres between the pavement or verge and the front of your house or garage.
A minimum width of 2.7m is required for each vehicle. This will take into account any projections such as bay windows, door shelters, utility cabinets or electric vehicle units.
If it is possible to consider parralel parking, the driveway must be at least 9.6m wide and at least 3.5m deep. This will only be considered where the dropped kerb could provide space for easy entry and exit, and where there is low pedestrian usage of the footpath.
A dropped kerb must be at least 10m from a junction. This may be increased to 15m on major roads or close to busy junctions.
Vehicles leaving the property must have clear visibility of at least 2m in either direction from a distance of 2m back from the footpath. This visibility splay must be kept clear of any plants, objects or structures taller than 60cm. Greater visibility may be required on classified or busy roads.
A gap of at least 1m from any trees to the dropped kerb must be maintained. This may be increased at the discretion of the surveyor based on the size of the tree and any visible roots. If the dropped kerb will result in the loss of/damage to an established tree, your application may be refused.
If it is likely to result in the loss of or damage to a major area of grass, your application may be refused. The Council is unlikely to approve a dropped kerb which will be longer than 5m in length.
Both the proposed dropped kerb and your driveway must have a gradient of less than 1 in 10 (10%). If you are planning a new driveway or extending one, you may be asked to provide a plan for your proposed driveway to show how you will avoid an excessive ramp.
Other considerations
If you live on a high speed road, there must be enough space on your property for a vehicle to turn around. This would avoid the need to reverse onto a busy road.
If the dropped kerb will restrict the use of a parking bay or lay-by, your application is likely to be refused.