Dropped kerbs in Kent County Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply

Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with Kent County Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 3 October 2026.

Apply for permission (Kent County Council)

Who builds dropped kerbs in Kent?

Once Kent grants permission you can employ any contractor, as long as they hold New Roads and Street Works Act accreditations for excavation and reinstatement and £5 million public liability insurance. Kent points to its Trading Standards Checked directory to find one.

How much does a dropped kerb cost in Kent?

Homeowner application fee: £500. Application fee. Extra inspections cost £76 each (for a new access point, or a dropped kerb near a tree or street light). £231 is refunded if the application is declined.

Total council fees: £500 (construction not included).

Building it: Kent says contractors' prices can vary from £1,000 to £2,500.

Estimate your total for Kent with the calculator

Contractor requirements in Kent

• NRSWA accreditation for excavation and reinstatement
• £5 million public liability insurance

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

How to apply in Kent

1. Get planning permission, or written confirmation you don't need it, from your borough or district council.
2. Gather a photo of the frontage (showing neighbouring properties), a sketch of the proposed dropped kerb, and the owner's written permission if you don't own the property.
3. Apply online and pay the £500 fee.
4. Kent inspects and aims to give a decision within 28 days.
5. If approved, hire a qualified contractor and have the work done within 2 years of the Approval Notice.

How long it takes

• Decision: Kent aims to inspect and decide within 28 days of receiving the application and payment.
• Approval is valid for 2 years from the Approval Notice.

Good to know

• If Kent is already planning footway reconstruction on your road (shown on its forward works programme), you may be able to get a dropped kerb at a reduced rate.
• A solicitor's dropped kerb legality check costs £76.

Nearby councils

• Surrey County Council: £383 total council fees, council's own list only
• Southend-on-Sea City Council: £300 total council fees, council's own list only
• Thurrock Council: £375 total council fees, council builds

Other neighbouring councils we haven't checked yet (official links): Medway, Bexley, Bromley, East Sussex.

Dropped kerb guides

Dropped kerb cost
Council fees compared, plus a cost calculator How to apply, step by step
Documents, timescales and refusals Do you need planning permission?
A quick decision flow for England Rules and sizes
Depth, junctions, trees and width