Driveways and dropped kerbs in Dorset
13,987 applications since 1980. 9,281 approved and 3,331 refused. Refused: about 1 in 4 here, about 1 in 5 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 8 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- A new or replacement hard surface in front of the house over 5 square metres must be porous, or drain to a lawn or border within the property
- A new access onto a minor road is only permitted alongside other permitted works; onto a classified or trunk road it needs permission
England, houses only. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change this. The full rules.
Year by year
| Year | Applications | Approved | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 178 | 77 | 12 |
| 2025 | 207 | 145 | 18 |
| 2024 | 199 | 145 | 24 |
| 2023 | 216 | 151 | 27 |
| 2022 | 209 | 128 | 34 |
| 2021 | 243 | 162 | 28 |
| 2020 | 196 | 130 | 35 |
| 2019 | 224 | 156 | 27 |
| 2018 | 261 | 182 | 42 |
| 2017 | 220 | 168 | 26 |
| 2016 | 197 | 147 | 26 |
| 2015 | 216 | 157 | 28 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP | 5,130 | 1,617 | about 1 in 4 |
| Wiltshire | 0 | 0 | none |