Obtain the highway authority's approval before creating or widening a dropped kerb across a public footway. This is separate from any planning permission for the access or frontage works. In Epping Forest District, Essex County Council handles the highway crossing and the district council handles the planning question. [1] [2]
First establish who controls the road
In London, check whether the road is borough-controlled or part of Transport for London's network. Redbridge requires both TfL agreement and planning permission for red-route crossings. [3]
A classified road can also change the planning route. Essex and Redbridge both require planning permission before their crossing application where the road is classified. Ask the responsible authority to confirm the road classification rather than judging it by traffic volume. [2] [3]
Check that the site is suitable
A vehicle crossing is more than lowering a few kerbstones: the footway is strengthened so vehicles can cross it. The authority assesses the actual frontage and safety constraints; a neighbouring property's older crossing does not establish that today's criteria are met. [2]
For Epping Forest projects, Essex's published criteria require a parking space at least 5m deep and 2.5m wide. These are Essex criteria, not a universal London dimension. Its checks also address the crossing layout and site constraints. [4]
In Redbridge, vehicles must not overhang the footway, and the private driveway must be compliant before crossing construction. [3]
Follow the authority's construction process
Essex uses two stages: the resident seeks consent, then the chosen suitably qualified contractor completes the implementation process, including road-space arrangements and construction checks. Its application requires a measured sketch, relevant planning permissions and the owner's written consent. Do not book ordinary landscaping work as a substitute for highway authorisation. [2]
The process is not identical everywhere. Redbridge's service explains that it constructs the crossing but does not adapt the private driveway or front garden. Establish which works your own contractor must complete and which the authority will deliver. [3]
For an Epping Forest council home or a former council property, Essex also directs applicants to check the district council's separate off-street garden-parking consent. Ownership of the freehold does not justify skipping that check. [2]
Coordinate paving, boundaries and approvals
The access design should be checked alongside the driveway's drainage and any wall or gate removal. Planning approval for one element does not automatically approve the other works. Keep the crossing approval, plans and completion information together with the house records. [1]
Before accepting a quotation, identify which charges are for the application, the highway construction and the private driveway works. Obtain the current authority-specific amounts rather than using another borough's fee or assuming that one payment covers the entire scheme. [2] [3]