Updated July 2026
In short
A legal dropped kerb has two things behind it: an approved Section 184 application from the highway authority, and installation by a registered contractor to the council’s spec, signed off on completion. No record and no sign-off usually means it isn’t legal.
Bought a house with a dropped kerb already there, or had one done years ago by someone you’re not sure about? Here’s how to check whether it’s the real thing.
The two things that make it legal
- Highway authority approval under Section 184 — the council said yes in writing.
- Installation by a registered contractor to the council’s specification, inspected and signed off.
If you have the application paperwork or completion sign-off, you’re fine. If you’re buying, ask the seller or their solicitor for it — it should come up in the conveyancing searches.
Warning signs it might not be legal
- No application on record with the council.
- A DIY-looking or bodged kerb — uneven, no proper foundation, cracking or sinking.
- A crossing that was clearly never inspected or signed off.
Why it matters
An unauthorised crossing can lead to enforcement — in the worst case you can be told to reinstate the kerb and pavement at your own cost. It can also complicate a house sale. The highway authority (Nottingham City or Nottinghamshire County Council) holds the records.
Not sure? We’ll check
We can check an existing crossing against the highway records and tell you whether it’s legitimate — and if it isn’t, what it takes to put it right.
Want it sorted properly?
We install council-approved dropped kerbs across Nottingham & Nottinghamshire — and handle the whole Section 184 application for you.
Get a free quote