Vehicle crossovers and private accesses.
Help with new driveways, dropped kerbs and private accesses: whether you need planning permission, what visibility is required and how to get the council’s approval.
Also known as: crossover, private crossover, crossover application, dropped kerb, private access, vehicle crossing
What’s included.
A new vehicle crossover needs the highway authority’s consent, usually under Section 184 of the Highways Act 1980. Planning permission may also be needed, for example onto a classified road. Visibility, gradient and the effect on footway users and on-street parking are the usual issues.
- Whether planning permission is needed
- Visibility and turning checks
- Gradients and drainage
- Effect on footway users and parking
- Supporting drawings for the application
- Responses to the council’s comments
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Quick answers
A short check tells you whether the access is likely to be approved before you spend money.
The right drawings
Simple, clear plans showing visibility and turning, which is usually what the council asks for.
Pedestrians first
We design crossovers that keep the footway safe and level for people walking and wheeling.
Questions we get asked
Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb?
Not always. It is often needed onto a classified road or where other planning controls apply. The highway authority’s consent is needed in every case.
How much visibility does a driveway need?
It depends on the road speed and the council’s standards. On many residential streets the requirement is modest, but it must be shown.
Can you help with a refused crossover application?
Yes. Send us the refusal and we will tell you whether there is a better design or a case to appeal.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with vehicle crossovers and private accesses?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.