Planning Permission for Driveways and Patios, Explained

The general rule

Since 2008, laying an impermeable surface of more than five square metres in a front garden requires planning permission — unless the water runs to a permeable area within your own boundary. Resin bound is inherently permeable, which is one reason it has become the default premium driveway surface.

Rear gardens and patios

Patios and terraces generally fall under permitted development, provided the finished level is not raised more than 300mm above the surrounding ground. Raised decks and terraces above that height, and anything within a conservation area or attached to a listed building, need checking.

• Listed building — consent almost always required
• Conservation area — check before ordering materials
• Raised platform over 300mm — likely requires permission
• New or widened access onto a classified road — requires approval

Dropped kerbs

A new vehicle crossing over a footway is handled by the local highway authority rather than planning. In Cumberland and Westmoreland & Furness this is an application with its own timescale, so it is worth starting early — we flag it at the design visit.

How we handle it

We assess permeability, levels and boundaries at the survey and tell you plainly whether anything needs an application. We would rather lose a fortnight than build something that has to come out.

Common questions