This is general guidance based on standard permitted development rights in England. Rules differ for listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties with Article 4 directions. Always confirm with your local planning authority before starting work.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Dropped Kerb in Hackney?
Lowering the kerb at the edge of the road to allow vehicles to cross the pavement onto a driveway. This requires permission from the highway authority (usually the local council), which is separate from planning permission.
Planning in Hackney
81%
of planning applications granted
86%
decided within the statutory or agreed time
50%
of householder applications decided within 8 weeks
In the year to December 2025, Hackney decided 1,345 planning applications. 447 of these were householder projects such as extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings, of which 85% were granted.
Planning statistics: MHCLG planning application statistics, the year to December 2025. Conservation area and Article 4 data: planning.data.gov.uk, © Historic England / Crown copyright. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Important: Additional Restrictions May Apply in Hackney
Hackney has 30 conservation areas. These include Albion Square, Broadway Market, Clapton Common, Clapton Pond, Clapton Square, Clissold Park. If your property is in a conservation area, some or all permitted development rights may be restricted. For example, you may need planning permission for changes that would normally be permitted, including alterations to the roof, cladding, or extensions visible from a public highway.
Hackney has Article 4 directions in force. Article 4 directions remove specific permitted development rights in defined areas. If your property is covered by an Article 4 direction, you may need planning permission for work that would normally be permitted. Contact Hackney planning department to check whether an Article 4 direction applies to your property.
Check with Hackney planning department before starting work to confirm whether your property is affected by any special designations.
Permitted Development Rules for a Dropped Kerb
Permission is required from the highway authority (typically the local council's highways department). A dropped kerb is a modification to the public highway, which requires a formal application. This is separate from planning permission. The council or their approved contractor carries out the physical work.
Conditions
- 1Must apply to the local council's highways department
- 2The council will assess highway safety, visibility, and pedestrian impact
- 3The pavement and kerb must be reinstated to the council's standards
- 4The council or their approved contractor must carry out the kerb work
- 5The applicant bears the cost of the works
Size and Dimension Limits
- Width depends on the council's standards and the driveway access required
- Typically 2.4m to 4.8m wide for a single or double-width crossing
When Permitted Development Does Not Apply
- The council can refuse if the crossing would be unsafe (near a junction, pedestrian crossing, or on a fast road)
- Some councils have waiting lists for dropped kerb applications
- You may also need planning permission for the driveway itself (see driveway paving rules)
- Parking on a dropped kerb is a separate enforcement matter under highway law
What About Building Regulations?
Building regulations approval is not usually required
Building Regulations do not apply to dropped kerbs. The work is governed by highways legislation. The council's highways team will specify the construction standards.
Building regulations are separate from planning permission. Even if your project is permitted development, you may still need building regulations approval. Contact Hackney building control or use an approved inspector.
How to Apply in Hackney
If you need planning permission for your dropped kerb, you can apply through Hackney's planning department or via the national Planning Portal.
If your project is permitted development and you want written confirmation, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from Hackney. This provides proof that your project does not need planning permission, which can be helpful when selling your property.
What Happens If I Build Without Permission?
Driving over a full-height kerb without a dropped kerb is a highway offence. The council can prosecute and reinstate the kerb at the homeowner's cost. Damage to the pavement from vehicles crossing without a proper crossing is the vehicle owner's liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb in Hackney?
Does a dropped kerb in Hackney need building regulations?
How do I apply for planning permission in Hackney?
How long does planning permission take in Hackney?
What percentage of planning applications does Hackney approve?
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