Dropped kerbs

Dropped kerbs are installed on the pavement outside a property. This involves the kerb stones being lowered, the pavement strengthened and made into a ramp to allow for a vehicle to cross the pavement and park on the property.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for the installation of the dropped kerb?
You are required to pay all costs associated with the installation of the dropped kerb. There is an administration fee of £36 charged to apply for a dropped kerb. Once approval has been granted you will be provided with a list of approved contractors to obtain quotes for the work.
Is there any help with the cost?
Disabled people who live in council owned property, may apply to Disability Services, Seedfield Resource Centre, Parkinson Street, Bury, Tel: 0161 253 6858.

How do I qualify for a subsidy?
Please state if you have a severe and permanent mobility disability;
OR look after a person with a severe and permanent mobility disability who lives with you.
Do I need planning consent?
Yes, if the dropped kerb is on a classified road (This is a main road). We will confirm if you need planning permission. If planning permission is required and you have not been sent a planning application form please contact us.

Do I need a Legal Land Easement?
Yes, if the dropped kerb crosses over land which is not dedicated highway.

Can I carry out the work myself?
No.

What may prohibit me from having a dropped kerb?
You may not be able to have a dropped kerb if:

• Your property is on a bend or at a road junction
• A tree is in the proposed crossing.
• Your property is close to traffic signals
• There is a steep slope between your garden and the road
• There is insufficient garden area.
• There is insufficient visibility.

Does my garden need to be a certain length?
Yes, normally 5 metres. In some situations permission for a dropped kerb may be given if you have less than 5 metres and can park your vehicle without overhanging the pavement.

When should I make a driveway in my garden?
Once approval for the dropped kerb has been granted you may construct a driveway in your front garden.

What if a tree on the pavement is affected by the dropped kerb?
We consider it important to keep trees. A tree will not normally be removed to provide a dropped kerb.
What about the water, gas pipes and cables under the pavement or items of street furniture such as lighting columns?
If these are affected by the proposed dropped kerb, the cost for lowering or moving apparatus will have to be met by the applicant.

What if the property is or was owned by Bury Council?
You will require permission to park a vehicle in your front garden. Your tenancy agreement / deeds should explain this. If you are unsure please contact Six Town Housing. Go to Six Town Housing's website

What will the dropped kerb be made of?
The dropped kerb will be made of tarmac. The material chosen would be similar to other dropped kerbs in the road. If the dropped kerb is near to a tree, tarmac may be used to reduce future maintenance costs.

Will I own the dropped kerb?
No, your dropped kerb will be part of the public highway. When you have a dropped kerb built, you are paying for the right for vehicular access to your property only. After construction, the Council will be responsible for maintaining the dropped kerb. Highways reserve the right to alter your dropped kerb in the future to accommodate dropped kerbs to neighbouring properties or highway refurbishment works.

How wide will the dropped kerb be?
The standard width of a dropped kerb is 2.75 metres/9 feet. If you want the dropped kerb to be wider or narrower than this, please state the width on the application form.

How do I get a quotation?
Complete the dropped kerb on-line form, print it and return it to Highway Network Services at the address below, enclosing the administration fee (cheques made payable to Bury MBC). Once approval has been granted you will be provided with list of approved contractors to obtain quotes for the work.

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