Driveway Legislation in the UK

Since 2008, anyone wanting to replace or install a driveway, patio or similar in a front garden needs to apply for planning permission unless:

• It’s less than five square metres or
• The material is permeable or
• The materials are laid so rainwater discharges onto a lawn or flower bed for natural drainage or
• You have installed a working soakaway and drainage channel

If you cannot meet at least one the above criteria, you will need to apply for planning permission.

The legislation was created to prevent flash floods caused by excessive paving and inadequate natural drainage in many front gardens.

Note: You do not to apply for respective planning permission if the driveway was constructed before 2008.

What About the Rear Garden?

The legislation applies to any potential run-off of water from a new driveway, patio or similar. However, as most driveways are in the front garden, this typically only applies to front gardens.

Patios are often seen in rear gardens but rarely do they discharge rainwater directly onto a footpath or highway.

Read More

We encourage you to read more about driveway legislation by exploring these links:

Planning Portal website

Government guidance (pdf)