*Help Needed* new build - no drop curb for driveway

gazpacho_uk

Sorry if this is in wrong section ..... It seemed the most appropriate place !

Just purchased a new build property and on Friday the development was finally finished. I spoke with the site manager regarding a "drop curb" for our driveway. the driveway currently does not have a drop curb and they placed a temporary ramp of tarmac on the road/curb so we could gain easy access with the car.
The site manager is now saying when the road is complete the gap between the road surface and the curb will only be a few inches so they are not going to put in the drop curb. On the development there are 20 houses and all have drop curbs with the exception of three.
Do you think this is an issue that should be addressed now or when the road has been surfaced ?
Because it is a driveway, should there be a drop curb as a matter of course ? it sems strange that all but 3 properties have drop curbs
Finally the site manager is still here for a further week. should I be speaking with him about this or the builder (Bloor Homes) or even the council ?

Any help is much appreciated

princeofpounds

If the road is to be adopted by the council (and it probably will be unless it's a gate private estate) then you will need a drop kerb to be allowed to park.

Unfortunately I don't know if you actually need a physically dropped curb or just permission, but I have a feeling that there would only be implicit permission for those already with drops when the road is adopted.

If this it not done now, you can only use the council's private contractor and the costs can reach 4 figures I'm told. Nice earner.

Of course the council may never really cathc up with it or care, but sometimes they do.

That's not a 100% sure answer, but I think that's roughly the situation. There have been other threads on here if you use the search function, maybe they will reveal something.

gazpacho_uk

thanks for that info, I will contact the council. I just think the site manager is trying to fob me off by saying the gap between the new road surface and the curb will only be a few inches so there is no need for the drop curb .... when all but three properties have the drop curb. Have they simply forgot to put them in and now that it is so late in the day he is coming up with excuses not to do the job !

Emmzi

tell him you are bringing your sports car over and a couple of inches will knacker the underside.

lonestar1

I woudl want it sorted before I moved in without the dropped curb whats to stop the council putting a sign post up on the pavement you need to cross to get to your drive. Believe councils have doen this on PURPOSE to thwart those who refuse to go through proper channels to get a dropped kerb

Burlesque_Babe

if you do need to pay, it is around £100 per 'block' so you will be looking at approx £1000 to put one in. Only takes a few hours, it is money for old rope really.

adr0ck

i would get in contact with the councils highways department and ask to speak to the highways officer dealing with the estate

you will want to get this done within the maintenance period before the highway is adopted

AMILLIONDOLLARS

Do not be fobbed off, tackle this situation from both the Council and the Development Company's side. Get everything in writing. Ask your neighbours how they managed to get drop kerbs, it maybe that the company are now wanting to cut corners as the development is practically complete so look at this situation as a snagging issue and act accordingly.

Good Luck

AMD

JanCee

Contact your local building regs or planning dept and ask them whether the developer is allowed to leave the houses without dropped kerbs, I suspect not. If you are getting nowhere a letter from your solicitor may do the trick.

I had a similar situation with a new build a few years ago where they had promised a turnaround area in front of my neighbours house and then as the development came to an end they decided not to bother. Once I had found out it was against planning advice/rules they came back and put it in.

Don't let them fob you off.

gazpacho_uk

thanks for all your replies and help. I have now contavted the council and they will get back to me regarduing the planning application and plans before the end of the week ........

gazpacho_uk

for those who replied and anyone else interested, the coulncil have confirmed today that there should be dropped curbs to the garage/driveway access on the three properties that dont currently have the dropped curb and they will be contacting Bloor homes to arrange this.
Thanks for your help !