Local guide · Harlow

Dropped kerb in Harlow: costs, rules and permissions

A Harlow address can involve two separate authorities: Essex Highways for the vehicle crossing and, where council-controlled covenants apply, Harlow Council for front-garden parking consent.

Check a Harlow postcode and property →

Last verified application stages

Up to £312.18

Last verified £210.18 Essex application plus £102 Harlow consent where required.

Essex's live page currently omits both fee amounts; confirm before paying. Construction, planning and site-specific work are extra.

Harlow parking space

Harlow publishes a standard of 5.5m × 2.9m. The paved area must not take more than 75% of the front garden and must provide drainage and safe sight lines.

Essex highway minimum

Essex will not allow a perpendicular parking depth below 5m and publishes a minimum width of 2.5m. Meeting this baseline does not remove Harlow's separate local standard.

Planning permission

Planning permission is required before the highway application where the road is classified as A, B or Class III. Other property or local restrictions can also require planning advice.

Harlow-specific answers

What should a Harlow applicant check?

Do I need open-front parking consent?

If Harlow Council controls restrictive covenants on the property and the front garden is being changed for parking, its permission is needed before the Essex highway stage. Check the deeds or obtain legal advice if ownership controls are unclear.

What does Harlow consent cost?

Harlow currently publishes a non-refundable £102 fee and says applications are normally processed in five to eight weeks.

What must I submit?

Harlow asks for its application form, a measured garden drawing, payment and signatures of consent from two neighbours. Essex separately asks for a mandatory sketch plan and relevant permissions.

Does approval include construction?

No. Permission fees do not include the contractor's construction charge or the cost of drainage, utility alterations, tree work or moving street equipment.

Quote-ready

Compare the complete project

Give each contractor the same approved dimensions and ask them to separate highway work, driveway construction, drainage, permits, waste, VAT, exclusions and defect correction.

Open the full checklist →

Check whether the driveway surface itself may need planning permission →

Official sources

Check both authorities

Use the checker first, then confirm the current forms, fees and requirements on the official pages.

Sources last checked: 18 October 2026. This is independent guidance, not permission or professional planning advice.