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Westminster · Dropped Kerb · 2026

Dropped Kerb Planning Permission in Westminster: 2026 Guide

Westminster has one of London's highest conservation area coverages at 76%, which affects many dropped kerb proposals. Householder approvals in Westminster run at around 65% with an average decision time of 12 weeks.

Verdict
Likely needs planning permission

A dropped kerb in Westminster is likely to need a full householder application because local constraints commonly remove the permitted development route. Verify with an address-level check before you commission drawings.

Planning Constraints in Westminster for Dropped Kerb

Conservation area coverage
76%
Approval rate (Westminster)
65%
Avg. decision time
12 weeks
Article 4 directions
3
Very high conservation area coverage
Basement Development SPD (2014) applies
Strategic views and listed building clusters
Article 4 directions in Westminster
  • Basement Article 4 in specified areas
  • HMO Article 4 in specified areas
  • Short-term let controls

Permitted Development Rules

Dropped kerbs are not covered by permitted development rights. They require a crossover/vehicle crossing application to the highways authority and, if the front garden exceeds 5m², a paving planning application alongside.

  • Vehicle crossover application required to the borough highways team.
  • If the front garden is paved and exceeds 5m², a planning application for the hardstanding is also required (unless permeable materials are used).
  • Sightlines from the driveway must meet the council's highways standards.
  • Trees on the highway cannot be removed to create the crossover in most boroughs.
  • Most boroughs require the applicant to pay for the crossover construction.

Read the full dropped kerb planning guide for the national rules and application process.

Recent Dropped Kerb Decisions in Westminster

The CanUBuild checker surfaces real recent applications close to your address — approvals and refusals — so you can see what the planning officers at Westminster City Council have approved for comparable schemes. Nearby precedent is one of the strongest signals for your own chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb in Westminster?

In Westminster, the answer depends on whether your property sits in a conservation area (76% of the borough), is listed, or falls within an Article 4 direction. A dropped kerb is not covered by permitted development and normally requires its own consent process. Check your exact address with the CanUBuild checker before spending on drawings.

Can I build a dropped kerb in a conservation area in Westminster?

Conservation areas in Westminster typically remove several permitted development freedoms. For a dropped kerb, the Larger Home Extension route and some external alterations do not apply, so a full householder application is usually required. Planning officers at Westminster City Council assess conservation area proposals against the specific character appraisal for the street.

How long does a dropped kerb application take to decide in Westminster?

Westminster City Council currently averages around 12 weeks for householder applications. Complex dropped kerb proposals — particularly those in conservation areas or on listed buildings — can take longer. Prior approval decisions for Larger Home Extensions are typically issued in 42 days.

Next step

Check your specific address in Westminster

Address-level constraints and recent decisions around the corner. No drawings needed.