Lowering a public footpath for a driveway

crossvilla

Hi

I just bought a 2 bed terraced house and would like to get rid of the small garden at the front of the house and create a small driveway. Ideally I'd like to lower the kerb of the public footpath to gain a smooth entrance to the driveway. Most of the other houses in the estate have this done but I can't see any that have applied for planning online (South co. Dublin). What is the process for seeking planning permission when lowering a kerb? I presume an architect isn't required! I rang them with the query and they told me to write them a letter.

BryanF

Edit: OP amended post

DOCARCH

The formation of a vehicular entrance/driveway requires planning permission.

Then, once you have planning permission for your vehicular entrance/driveway, you apply separately to the roads dept of the local authority to lower/dish the pavement.

Gumbo

You need to do the following :

Apply for planning for the vehicle entrance.
When granted you apply to the roads department to drop the kern. They will s eek a copy of your grant of permission and payment up front for the works. Only the council can drop the footpath, your builder etc cannot.

crossvilla

How much do the council look for? I see varying reports of €500 to €2000.

aujopimur

Your builder can do the footpath provided he meets the councils approval with regard to insurance etc..

Gumbo

crossvilla wrote: »

How much do the council look for? I see varying reports of €500 to €2000.

It depends on the size. It's usually about €500-€750 all in. They charge a flat fee then a figure per square meter.

Once you Paige your intent to get the path dished they send an inspector to measure and then the roads crew get to it in a couple of days. I only done one for my dad a year or two ago.

But bear in mind, you still need a full planning application to be lodged before you even get to that stage.

Where are you based?

aujopimur wrote: »

Your builder can do the footpath provided he meets the councils approval with regard to insurance etc..

I think in theory this is possible, but for a small residential job it's not financially viable as you also have to lodge a bond to ensure the works are done correctly and do a small job the bond will probably be more than what the council fee is.

And then the kicker, good luck trying to get a builder to do the job for €750.

crossvilla

Thanks for reply. It will be South Dublin Coco. I reckoned I should get the kerb lowered before doing the front driveway as it might stop people parking outside.

Gumbo

crossvilla wrote: »

Thanks for reply. It will be South Dublin Coco. I reckoned I should get the kerb lowered before doing the front driveway as it might stop people parking outside.

You can't do that. SDCC will only drop the kerb after planning is granted.