Planning
Do you need planning permission for a dropped kerb in Wiltshire?
A dropped kerb is a highways matter, not planning. You apply to Wiltshire Council for a vehicle crossover; planning permission is only involved if the access is onto a classified road.
In short
Lowering a kerb to create a vehicle crossover is dealt with under highways legislation, not planning. In our area you apply to Wiltshire Council for a vehicle crossover licence, and the work must be carried out by a council-approved contractor to the specification set by the council. Planning permission is needed only where the new access is onto a classified A, B or C road, or where structural works are involved.
The thresholds
Where the line sits
People often expect a dropped kerb to be a planning matter, but it sits with the highways authority, because you are altering the public pavement. In Wiltshire that means a vehicle crossover application to Wiltshire Council. The work cannot be done by just anyone. The crossover
| Consent | Access type | Planning permission |
|---|---|---|
| Highways crossover licence | Onto an unclassified road | Not needed |
| Highways and planning | Onto a classified A, B or C road | Needed |
| Assessed case by case | Involving structural or retaining works | May be needed |
Source: Gardenscape. Figures as of 2026-06-01.
Yes, no, or it depends
Scenarios in plain language
Typically £1,000 to £2,500 for the crossover, plus the council permit and inspection fees. The exact figure depends on the pavement build-up and any utilities in the way.
No. The crossover must be built by a contractor approved by Wiltshire Council, to their specification, and inspected. It is a separate, council-controlled job from the driveway.
Only if you are creating a new vehicle access or widening an existing one across the pavement. Resurfacing behind an existing crossover does not need a new licence.
The local layer
Designated land and Article 4
People often expect a dropped kerb to be a planning matter, but it sits with the highways authority, because you are altering the public pavement. In Wiltshire that means a vehicle crossover application to Wiltshire Council. The work cannot be done by just anyone. The crossover must be built by a contractor approved by the council, to their specification, and inspected, which is a separate matter from the driveway itself. Planning permission only enters the picture if the access is onto a classified road, or if the job involves structural works such as a retaining wall to the front.
A note
General guidance, not advice. Rules vary by site, and Article 4 directions or conditions can change what applies. Check with your local authority and the Planning Portal.
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