If you’re asking yourself “Do I need planning permission to pave my garden or driveway?” then you’re not alone. Planning permission in the UK can be complicated to understand.
There are a number of rules and regulations that must be followed in order to comply with the law. These can apply to gardens, driveways, extensions, and more. It is important not to risk falling foul of the law. Years of disputes, costly fines, and notices to undo the work can result.
Here, we outline some of the things you must consider when creating your driveway or paved area.
Do You need planning permission to pave my garden or driveway?
Planning permission explained
If you are paving with a permeable material, you will not usually need planning permission. Permeable surfacing can be gravel or permeable concrete, for example. This is anything that will let rainwater drain through to the ground.
- It is necessary to apply for planning permission if the are you are paving is over 5 metres squared.
- Planning permission is also required if you are installing an impermeable material. This is a material that doesn’t naturally absorb rainfall. These materials include concrete, asphalt, and clay.
- You may also need permission if your paved area is likely to affect access for any surrounding properties. This is because it may cause inconvenience for neighbours.
How to help your planning chances
There are a number of things that you can do to improve your chances of gaining permission.
Installing a “rain garden” along the edge of your paved area allows rainwater to soak into the ground. This can be a small dipped area where the rainwater can collect.
You can also install an artificial “soakaway”. This means rainwater is piped into purpose-made containers for gradual draining.
Another alternative is to install wheel tracks. This is usually a paved area that covers just the width of the vehicle’s wheels. This will allow for water to runoff easily. You will still have a solid paved area on which to park your vehicle.
Important considerations
If you’re still asking yourself ” Do I need planning permission to pave my garden?” then here are some points to remember:
- If you need the kerb dropping outside our property for vehicle access, you will need to get in touch with your local authority.
- If your building is listed, we would advise that you contact your local authority concerning renovation, improvement, or extension work of any nature. Regulations are far stricter for listed properties. What counts for the majority of buildings may not apply here.
- You should contact your council if you are planning to build any banks or terracing for your newly paved garden.
Please note that this is not official legal correspondence. For more specific information, contact your local council authority today.
