Planning Permission for Driveways: What You Need to Know

In 2008, a law was introduced around planning permission for driveways. This means any homeowner looking to pave a front garden of more than five square metres needs to gain permission to do so. However, this doesn’t apply if you’re using permeable materials, such as permeable pavers. Here we take a closer look at the regulations, and the materials suitable to use.

Why the need for planning permission for driveways?

You may well be asking ‘why do I need planning permission for a new driveway?’. One of the main reasons is the increase in the amount of water that goes into storm drains when it rains. More and more gardens being converted into driveways in urban areas means higher levels of water and greater chances of flooding. 

Why does this have such an impact? Well, one or two driveways won’t, but thousands of people choosing extra parking over a front lawn has a massive effect on drainage systems that were never really designed to cope with that much water. 

The environmental impact of driveways

Aside from the fact that sewers – some of which are up to 100 years old – aren’t able to handle increased volumes of water, impermeable surfaces can have a real impact on the environment. With the large volume of vehicles and machines used in modern society, more pollutants are carried by run-off water into our sewers and natural watercourses, causing significant damage and danger to fauna, flora and aquatic life.

Permeable pavers and other suitable driveway materials

If you’re using permeable materials you don’t need planning permission for driveways. But, what exactly are permeable materials? Put simply, anything that allows water to pass through is permeable – this includes gravel, porous concrete and asphalt and specially designed permeable block paving. There can often be confusion between permeable and ‘suds-compliant’ paving, where water is channelled, collected and disposed of, rather than passing through the surface, so it’s always best to seek expert advice when choosing material for a new driveway.

At AWBS we have a selection of permeable surfaces suitable for driveways. Our range of gravel includes stunning colours, shapes and sizes to help you create a fabulous looking and highly durable driveway. From the deep, dark tones of Black Granite, through the gold, buff and orange of Gold Flint, to the red hues of Spar Rustic, our gravel offers a hardwearing and versatile permeable solution.

Stylish permeable driveway block paving from Brett

The Brett Omega Flow permeable block paving is a stylish choice for any new driveway. With a classic rectangular block profile, it benefits from purpose-designed nibs to enhance permeability. A beautiful contemporary, clean style, the Omega Flow permeable paving will perfectly complement any property. The Alpha Flow multi-size tumbled and Beta Flow low-chamfer permeable block paving can also be ordered through your local AWBS branch, in Oxford, Swindon or Yarnton.

To find out more about our range of permeable materials for driveways, please contact us or visit your local branch.