Legislation

New UK legislation for driveways

From 1st October 2008 the permitted development rights that allow householders to pave over their front garden for hardstanding without planning permission have changed. Planning permission is now required to lay traditional impermeable driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from front gardens onto roads, because this can contribute to flooding and pollution of water courses.

If a new driveway or parking area is constructed using permeable surfaces, such as permeable concrete block paving, or if the water is otherwise able to soak into the ground you will not require planning permission. The new rules will also apply where existing hardstandings are being replaced. The new rules apply to hard surfaces exceeding 5m² in area.

Although the new legislation promotes the use of permeable products it also permits the use on non permeable concrete block paving without the need for planning permission, providing drainage/soak away is provided for surface run off water within the boundaries of the property. i.e. must not drain on to the road.

If a householder wishes to lay a traditional impermeable driveway which allows uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from their front gardens onto the road, they must now gain planning permission. Applying for planning permission will require the householder to fill in an application form, provide plans (which have to be to scale) and pay a fee of £150. Planning applications for this type of householder development should normally be decided within 8 weeks of submission.
 

Paving Plus is trained and accredited in the installation of Permeable paving solutions

 www.pavingplus.co.uk