Driveways and dropped kerbs in Tower Hamlets
77 applications since 2016. 38 approved and 8 refused. Refused: about 1 in 6 here, about 1 in 5 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| 2024 | 12 | 8 | 0 |
| 2023 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 8 | 0 |
| 2018 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| 2017 | 14 | 3 | 5 |
| 2016 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 4 | 0 | none |
| Greenwich | 149 | 50 | about 1 in 4 |
| Hackney | 97 | 12 | about 1 in 9 |
| Lewisham | 144 | 57 | about 1 in 4 |
| Newham | 57 | 17 | about 1 in 4 |
| Southwark | 276 | 17 | about 1 in 17 |