Dropped Kerbs & Driveway Permission in Basildon, Wickford & Billericay

Who does what

• Essex Highways (Essex County Council) gives permission for a vehicle crossing (dropped kerb) on the public highway: Essex Highways: vehicle crossings.
• Basildon Borough Council handles planning for Basildon, Wickford and Billericay, if planning permission is needed.
• For driveway types, materials and published price guides, see our driveways in Essex page.

The Essex Highways two-stage process

1. Stage 1, you apply for consent. You need a sketch plan with measurements, a copy of any relevant planning permission, written consent from the property owner and, optionally, a photo. An inspector visits and checks the site against the criteria. If consent is given, you are sent details of affected utilities (gas, electric) to pass to your contractor.
2. Stage 2, your contractor books the road space. Your chosen contractor applies to implement by Road Opening Notice and pays that fee. Essex Highways says it is illegal to work on the highway without the permit in place.

Source: Essex Highways, read 13 October 2026.

Fees and timescales

• Initial Vehicle Crossing application: non-refundable, covers a site visit, a search for underground apparatus and admin. Check the current fee on Essex Highways.
• Road Opening Notice: paid by your contractor. Check the current fee on Essex Highways.
• Essex Highways says these fees are not subject to VAT.
• The process "can take several weeks" while utility details (a "Stats Request") are obtained.
• Deadlines: the Essex Highways web page says works must be completed within six months of approval. Its FAQ document says three months from the date on your approval letter, after which the utility ("Stats") information goes out of date. Plan to finish within three months, and follow the deadline on your approval letter.

We don't list build prices here. Contractors quote for the work itself.

Contractor requirements (set by Essex Highways)

• Valid £10 million public liability insurance.
• All site workers NRSWA accredited (New Roads and Street Works Act 1991) to Operative level, with at least one at Supervisor level on site or available.
• The prescribed PPE requirements.

You may choose any suitably qualified contractor. You send their details to Essex Highways to check, and it can refuse a contractor it considers not competent. Local Leads Hub does not vet contractors, so ask to see these documents yourself.

When do you need planning permission?

• Front garden surfaces: since 1 October 2008, hard surfacing over 5 m² of a house's front garden is permitted development only if it is permeable or drains to a lawn or border (GOV.UK, Planning Portal). Impermeable surfaces over 5 m² draining to the road need planning permission.
• Dropped kerbs: the Planning Portal says planning permission may be needed if the road is classified or a trunk road, the property is flats, structural work is needed for the parking area, the property is listed or in a conservation area, or the works are on their own. Essex Highways says classified roads (A, B or Class III) need planning permission before you apply.
• Article 4 Directions or planning conditions can remove permitted development rights. If unsure, ask Basildon Council.

Checking Basildon Council's planning register

Basildon's Public Access planning search lets you search applications by keyword, reference or address, and view weekly lists of validated and decided applications. Searching your street can show what has been approved nearby. Each application is judged on its own merits, so this doesn't guarantee yours will be.

Common mistakes

• Starting the driveway before the dropped kerb is approved, or driving over the pavement without one.
• Assuming a neighbour's crossing means yours will be approved. Essex Highways says the criteria changed in 2009.
• Using an impermeable surface over 5 m² without planning permission.
• Hiring a contractor without £10m public liability insurance or NRSWA accreditation.
• Missing the completion deadline on your approval letter.
• Forgetting the owner's written consent if you rent.

Quick checklist

• ☐ Is the road classified (A, B or Class III)? If so, get planning permission first.
• ☐ Listed building, conservation area, flats or Article 4? Check with Basildon Council.
• ☐ Permeable surface, or drains to a lawn or border?
• ☐ Sketch plan with measurements and the owner's written consent.
• ☐ Apply to Essex Highways (check the current fee).
• ☐ Contractor: £10m public liability insurance and NRSWA accreditation.
• ☐ Contractor books the Road Opening Notice. Finish by the deadline on your approval letter.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Essex Highways: vehicle crossings / dropped kerbs
• GOV.UK: Apply for a dropped kerb
• Planning Portal: dropped kerbs, planning permission
• Planning Portal: paving your front garden
• GOV.UK: permeable surfacing of front gardens
• Basildon Council: planning applications search

General guidance, not legal or planning advice. Checked 13 October 2026. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm with the official sources.