New Government Legislation for Block Paving over your Front Garden

From 1 October 2008 new rules apply for householders wanting to pave over their front gardens.
You will NOT need planning permission if a new driveway uses a permeable (or porous) surfacing which allows water to drain through, such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or soil border to drain naturally.

If the surface to be covered is more than 5 square metres planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeable driveways such as block paving, tarmac or concrete that does not control rainwater running off onto roads.

Speak to us and we will guide you in what you need to do!

Building regulations
Building Regulations do not generally apply. However, you will need to make sure that any alterations do not make access to the dwelling any less satisfactory than it was before.

So, for example, if you make any changes in levels to your driveway and introduce steps where none existed before would be a contravention of the regulations.

Dropping the Kerbs
If you are making a new access into your front garden across the footpath you will need to obtain permission from your local council to drop the kerbs and the pavement may need strengthening. This is to protect any services buried in the ground such as water and gas pipes or electric and phone cables.