The rule in short
Government guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens explains that, since 1 October 2008, hard surfacing of more than 5 square metres of a domestic front garden counts as permitted development (so it does not need a planning application) only where the surface is permeable. The guidance also explains how soakaways and rain gardens can be used to deal with run-off.
The same guidance says that using traditional impermeable materials, such as impermeable concrete, with nothing in place to make the area permeable, requires an application for planning permission.
Why the rule exists
The guidance explains different ways of building a driveway or other paved area that control and reduce rainfall run-off into drains. Hard, sealed surfaces send rainwater straight into drains; permeable approaches slow it down or let it soak into the ground.
The options described in the guidance
- Permeable surfaces that let water pass through into the ground below.
- Soakaways that collect run-off from a hard surface and let it soak away.
- Rain gardens and other permeable areas that run-off is directed into.
Before you start
- Measure the area you plan to surface. The 5 square metre threshold is about the front garden area being hard surfaced.
- Decide how rainwater will be dealt with: through the surface itself, or by draining it to a soakaway or permeable area.
- If you are unsure whether your plans need permission, check with your local council’s planning department before work starts.
How we can help
We dig out and prepare driveway and patio bases, and install soakaways and drainage, with our own mini digger and an experienced operator. As a registered waste carrier we can take the spoil away too. Send us photos and rough measurements for a quote.
Sources
Guides are a plain-English summary of official guidance at the time of writing, not legal advice. Always check the current guidance or ask the relevant authority.