Requires Planning Approval for Driveway Construction: Important Factor Determined by Experts
In the UK, driveway construction can be a straightforward process, falling under permitted development rights for many homes. However, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and compliant project.
Firstly, before embarking on a driveway project, it's essential to check with the local planning authority to ensure your driveway falls under permitted development. This is particularly important when constructing a new driveway or extending an existing one, especially if it exceeds 5 square metres and is made of non-permeable materials.
One of the key aspects to consider is the dropped kerb, which is necessary for vehicle access from the road onto your driveway. You will need to apply to your local council's highways department for permission, and the application usually includes a fee (around £100). The council or an approved contractor will carry out the kerb lowering work. It's important to coordinate the driveway construction with the dropped kerb works, with the driveway typically built before the kerb works to avoid complications.
The local highway authority controls specific technical standards for dropped kerb and vehicle crossover. These standards may include the size and shape of the crossover, ground level adjustments, and restrictions on widening existing crossovers. Requests can be refused if on-street parking demand is high, or where safety or utility conflicts arise.
When it comes to driveway design, considerations include appropriate sizing to accommodate the number of cars, shape, and materials used. Wider entrances can make access easier, and aesthetic factors like planting around the driveway may be recommended.
Permitted development rights have conditions and limits that must be checked, often via the Planning Portal or local planning authority advice, especially for works that might exceed typical boundaries or involve classified roads.
If you live in a flat, maisonette, or listed building, planning permission might be needed for a driveway. Similarly, if installing gates, walls, or fences over 1 metre high adjacent to the road, or if the work involves significant changes to ground levels, permitted development might not apply.
When converting a front garden to a driveway, it is essential to have permeable surfacing or controlled water run-off to prevent drainage issues. Permeable materials like gravel, porous asphalt, or permeable block paving, which are usually cost-effective and available from retailers like B&Q and Marshalls, usually fall under permitted development rights.
In summary, while driveway construction can fall under permitted development without formal planning permission, you must obtain council approval for any dropped kerb works, comply with local highway standards, and ensure your driveway meets practical and legal criteria set by your local authority. It is advisable to consult your council’s highways department prior to starting any works to avoid violations or refusal.
- In the realm of home-and-garden improvements, transforming a front garden into a driveway could be an appealing lifestyle change, but it's crucial to ensure permeable surfacing or controlled water run-off to prevent drainage issues, as this usually falls under permitted development rights.
- As you delve deeper into a driveway project, remember that choosing the right materials for your home-and-garden transformation isn't just about aesthetics; permeable materials like gravel, porous asphalt, or permeable block paving are not only visually appealing but also often comply with the conditions and limits of permitted development rights.
