Do you need planning permission?
New planning legislation aims to reduce the volume of water running from driveways directly into urban drains.Here is some guidance for homeowners and contractors who wish to install hard landscaping in front gardens after 1st October 2008*.
Planning permission NOT required
1. The new legislation only affects front garden areas. Visit www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide for planning definition.
2. If the area of the hard surface is constructed using a permeable product such as from Marshalls Priora range or Marshalls Grassguard. There is no limit to size in this case.
3. Standard impermeable paving can be used if provision is made for rainwater from traditional impermeable hard landscaping to drain into a soft landscape such as grass or border planting with sufficient permeability, or into a specially constructed soakaway.
4. If the area of hard surface intended is less than 5 square metres.
5. Elsewhere around the house there are no restrictions on hard surfaces at, or near ground level.
No delay
Planning permission IS required
1. If rainwater from the impermeable hard surface at ground level has nowhere to run other than into the household drainage system or on to the public highway.
2. If the property intended for work is a listed building.
3. Conservation areas, World Heritage sites, National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty may have some restricted permitted development rights for householders. Better to enquire in advance in such circumstances.
It is the homeowners' responsibility
to apply for planning permission.
Up to 6 weeks' delay
and around £150**
**Advice on Government website
For detailed guidance, visit www.marshalls.co.uk/transform/products/drivewayguidance.aspx
*Information provided by Marshalls. www.marshalls.co.uk.
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