Select Page

New Legislation Calls for Permeable Driveways

New rules and legislation for home driveways and outdoor surfaces are soon coming into effect.

Impermeable surfaces such as block paving, concrete and tarmac will be subject to planning permission and may even risk additional surcharges.

The answer? Additional drainage systems or choosing permeable driveways, pathways and patios.

Will I need planning permission for my driveway?
In some instances, you may need planning permission for your driveway if it is being constructed from an impermeable material, such as clay blocks, tarmac or concrete. This is because it may not meet the regulations under the government’s sustainable urban drainage system legislation if there is not a suitable drainage system that directs the water to a localise drainage area.

The easiest way around this is to ensure your new driveway is made from a permeable material, removing the need for additional drainage systems.

Why do I need a permeable surface for my driveway, path or patio?
A permeable outdoor surface is simply one which allows gases and liquids – namely water in this case – to travel through it. Permeable driveways, paths and patios are made of porous materials that helps to prevent flooding by avoiding surface water build-up.

Not only does this help to avoid wet feet from stepping in puddles and splashes when driving and walking, but it ensures there is minimal risk of water being diverted to your home causing flood risk and water damage. Most importantly in this context, it meets government legislation on sustainable drainage systems.

New Legislation that could affect your home driveway
With climate change resulting in the UK seeing more rainfall on average than ever before, the government and local authorities are looking at homeowners and their outdoor surfaces to assess how water run-off is affecting local highways, local rivers and other people’s property, thereby affecting the larger flood risk of your local village, town or city.

In future, new driveways will need to comply to this new legislation. All driveway plans must show that a sustainable drainage system (SUDS) is in place or is being created using materials that are SUDS compliant. This will only be possible by adding in additional drainage solutions for impermeable surfaces, or by choosing a permeable driveway solution.

Resin Bound Driveways – are they the solution?
Many people are choosing to comply with these new rules by installing specially developed fully-permeable surfaces that are better than SUDS compliant as standard. These surfaces reduce water run-off causing pollution and flooding, yet still look great, are hard-wearing and stand the test of time.

Resin bound driveways are one of the most popular solutions to new driveway legislation. Their highly-permeable nature means pooling is non-existent, and with water passing directly through to ground level, it means you can rest assured knowing there is no risk of pollution of water courses or attenuation elsewhere.

What’s more, resin bound surfaces being permeable by nature means it’s an extremely cost-effective solution too when comparing to other impermeable surfaces that require expensive additional drainage systems that can be unsightly or take up more room in your home, as well as requiring extra maintenance.

Menu

0800 696 5401
Contact Us
0800 696 5401
Senior citizens: Save 15% on our products & services
-- Call Today --
toggle