Areas · Plymouth · Driveways
Driveways in Plymouth
In short A dropped kerb in Plymouth needs a hardstanding at least 4.8 m deep and 2.7 m wide, and planning permission first on classified roads and in conservation areas. D.A Building Services prepares and builds driveways in Plymouth.
Plymouth City Council
Planning first, then the kerb.
- 1
Check planning first
Plymouth City Council lists the cases where you need planning permission before you can apply for a vehicle crossing. Use the checklist on this page.
- 2
Check the space
Your hardstanding must be at least 4.8 m deep by 2.7 m wide.
- 3
Apply to Plymouth City Council
Apply through the council's dropped kerbs page. It lists an application fee and a conditional approval fee. Applications take 6 to 8 weeks.
- 4
An accredited contractor for the kerb
All pavement work must be carried out by an accredited contractor, who submits a Section 171 highway permit. The council says it is the applicant's responsibility to make sure the contractor has one.
- 5
The driveway itself
Dig out, levels and falls set away from the house, the base, then the driveway. Ask us about this part.
Does planning come first?
Tick anything that applies to your home.
Nothing ticked: no planning step is listed for these, so you can go straight to the dropped kerb application.
FAQ
Plymouth driveway questions
How big does a Plymouth driveway need to be for a dropped kerb?
Plymouth City Council says the hardstanding must be at least 4.8 m deep by 2.7 m wide.
Do I need planning permission before a dropped kerb in Plymouth?
Yes if you are on a classified road, in a listed building or conservation area, in a property other than a single-family house, making major changes to ground levels, or laying an impermeable hardstanding.
What is a Section 171 permit?
It is the highway permit Plymouth City Council asks the accredited contractor to submit before working on the pavement. The council says it is your responsibility to make sure the contractor has one.
How long does it take?
The council says applications take 6 to 8 weeks to process, so start the application early.
Sources
Checked 22 October 2026. Rules change, so check your own address with the council before work starts.
Planning a driveway in Plymouth?
Send us a photo from the road and the size you have. We reply ourselves.