To drop the kerb, or not…that is the question!
When it comes to UK property development, one feature that can seriously elevate the function and aesthetics of your property dramatically is the driveway. Yet, one aspect of this improvement often gets overlooked: the kerb.
In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of driveways without dropped kerbs, providing essential insights for UK homeowners, property developers, and landlords.
A driveway without a dropped kerb might seem counterintuitive, but it’s an arrangement that offers numerous benefits, not least of which includes the potential for substantial savings. But before we delve into that, let’s clarify what a dropped kerb is.
What is a Dropped Kerb?
The UK government defines a dropped kerb as “a section of pavement lowered to allow vehicles to cross from the road to a driveway.” It’s that simple slope on the kerb, allowing cars easy access to the property from the street.
Why Opt for a Driveway Without a Dropped Kerb?
Having a driveway without a dropped kerb isn’t the norm, but it does provide certain benefits. These benefits are primarily financial, circumstantial, and dependent on the homeowner’s lifestyle choices and the property’s location. If you’ve got an area in front of your property, but don’t have a vehicle or drive, or you don’t need ‘off-street’ parking, you could create an oasis of calm in an underused space.
Financial Implications
Dropping a kerb isn’t just about physical work; it involves a process that requires permission from the local council, costing you in terms of both time and money. Checkatrade suggest that the average cost of dropping a kerb is in the region of £1,500 for an average property. But as Trevor Mitchell, Regional Director for Historic England, once said, “For [historic properties], it can cost thousands of pounds, depending on the nature of the kerb and paving”. Avoiding this process can help you save on these potential costs.
Practical Benefits
Without a dropped kerb, a driveway can still provide practical off-street parking for bikes, motorcycles, and other smaller vehicles. It can also be a great place for children to play, serve as additional garden space, or even an outdoor seating area, giving you flexible use of your property’s frontage.
Circumstantial Advantages
If your property is situated on a busy road, having a driveway without a dropped kerb can still provide an aesthetic and property value benefit. Despite not being suitable for vehicle access, it improves the appeal of your property by providing a neat, defined frontage.
How to Create a Driveway Without a Dropped Kerb
Creating a driveway without a dropped kerb isn’t vastly different from creating any other driveway. The essential steps involve planning the area, choosing the right materials, and then constructing the driveway. Not having a dropped kerb simplifies the process somewhat, as there’s no need to liaise with the council or worry about adhering to specific regulations related to vehicle access. BUT if you cross the driveway threshold in a vehicle with more than two wheels, you could find yourself in hot water! If you need advice we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today.
Legalities to Consider
While creating a driveway without a dropped kerb sidesteps some legal issues, others still need to be considered. In their blog, SGS Surfacing reiterate that legally, if you want to use an area as a driveway for vehicle access, you need to have a dropped kerb. Notably, even without a dropped kerb, you need to consider the permeability of your chosen surface material.
Something else to consider, in the UK, it’s illegal to lay an impermeable driveway of over five square metres unless you have planning permission or a suitable runoff area according to Gov.uk guidance.
Conclusion
In over twenty years, ALS Driveways have never been asked to install a driveway without a dropped kerb, but the world is changing rapidly. If your front garden is underused, looks unsightly, or you just want to use that space in a different way, a driveway without a dropped kerb could be the answer (as long as you don’t use it for vehicle access). Driveway installations in Lincoln are our specialism. Get in touch to see what your options are today.
Choosing to install a driveway without a dropped kerb might seem unusual, but it can deliver tangible benefits depending on your circumstances. A well-designed driveway, even without vehicle access, can enhance your property’s kerb appeal and increase its value.
In the words of the famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, “Space is the breath of art.” A driveway without a dropped kerb, despite its unconventional nature, can provide that much-needed space. Whether it’s used for parking motorcycles, as a play area, or a landscaped garden, this space can breathe life into your property and serve your needs in a unique, creative way.
It’s certainly food for thought. If you’re thinking that installing a driveway without a dropped kerb is the solution you hadn’t thought of, remember to review the benefits. At ALS we’re happy to walk you through them.
As always, when undertaking any development project, it’s advisable to consult with a professional to ensure all regulations are followed and your desired outcomes are achieved. We always recommend using an approved installer. All BrettApproved installers are paving experts you can trust!
And remember, installing a driveway without a dropped kerb might just be the ideal solution to elevate the aesthetics of your property while providing you with a functional space that suits your lifestyle. After all, the best developments are those that combine functionality, style, and practicality in equal measure. We can’t show you any pictures of driveways without dropped kerbs from our portfolio, but feel free to check out our other completed projects.
At ALS we would always suggest that as a homeowner, property manager or landlord, you keep an eye on the rules and regulations, whilst these haven’t changed since 1980, it’s always worth a quick check!
