Drop kerbs · Practical advice
What to check before applying for a dropped kerb
Assess the frontage, parking layout and practical constraints before committing to driveway work.
Start with the complete journey
A dropped kerb is useful only if the vehicle can move from the road into a workable parking space. Sketch the road, pavement, boundary and house, then show the proposed parking position. Include the route people take to the door. This helps distinguish an attractive frontage from one that actually works when a car, pedestrians and an opening gate are all present.
Measure the usable space
Measure the space that will remain after walls, steps, planting and gate furniture are included. Do not rely on the apparent width in a photograph. Check the current East Sussex assessment criteria for the required parking and access dimensions. The useful question is whether the proposed layout satisfies those requirements, not whether a neighbour has a smaller or older entrance.
Record what is already there
Take photographs looking towards the house and along the frontage in both directions. Show trees, covers, lamp columns, signs, parking bays and any changes in level. A clear record helps a contractor explain what may need investigation. Do not remove or alter street features to make the application appear simpler: their presence is part of the assessment.
Think about the vehicle you use
Tell the contractor about vans, low-clearance vehicles, trailers or other particular needs. Consider how passengers get out and whether parked vehicles obstruct the door or pedestrian route. A parking sketch should represent the real use of the property rather than the smallest car that could theoretically fit. Suitability still needs to be assessed against the authority's requirements.
Keep feasibility separate from approval
A contractor can help you understand a proposal, but cannot guarantee the authority's decision. Establish which permissions and ownership consents apply before arranging construction. If a proposal changes during design, make sure the revised arrangement is the one being assessed and priced. Keep the application correspondence alongside the drawing so everyone works from the same information.
Make the first enquiry useful
Send the address, postcode, photographs and approximate measurements with a short explanation of your priorities. For example, explain whether you need a new entrance, a wider existing access or a complete driveway replacement. State what you want to retain. This makes the initial conversation more useful and reduces the chance of a quotation overlooking an important part of the frontage.
Is a site visit still needed if I send photographs?
Photographs help with an initial discussion, but they cannot confirm all levels, dimensions, ground conditions or hidden services. Ask what will be checked on site before the scope is finalised.
Your project checklist
- Photograph both directions along the frontage.
- Measure around permanent obstructions.
- Describe the vehicles and pedestrian access.
- Keep the latest proposal with the application records.
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