Factors to Consider When Planning a New Driveway

A new driveway is a big investment, so it’s important to get it right when deciding what kind of surface you do and do not want. Here are a few pointers on factors to consider before you make your final selection.

What kinds of things should I think about?

One hugely important consideration is what you would like your driveway to look like. Especially if it’s a large area, it’s important to choose a look you can live with. Tarmac, gravel, bitumen, gravel bonded surfaces, block paving and so on are all very different and will create different effects. A good way to decide which you prefer is to view what options neighbours, friends and family have gone for and how their drives look. Good contractors will also have a portfolio of past works with photos they can show you, so you get an idea of what each surface type looks like over larger areas.

What practical requirements you have

Do you need something that’s easy to maintain because of a busy family life or reduced mobility? Some surfaces are harder to keep clean and may need more upkeep than others and this may not suit your lifestyle. Ask your contractor what maintenance each type of surface requires and consider whether it’s something you can manage.

Do you have young children or does anyone in the family use a wheelchair? Easy access to and from the front door is essential. A hard surface also offers a better area for kids to play with balls and bikes and so on than loose gravel.

Will planning permission be needed?

Following widespread flooding in the UK in 2007, new rules were introduced regarding planning permission for hard surfaces to the front of properties. Broadly speaking, you do not need planning permission for any new or replacement driveway, no matter what size it is, provided the material used is permeable or porous. In other words, there’s no necessity to apply for planning so long as the surface material allows water to drain through to the subsoil below, rather than pooling on the surface. This would include gravel, permeable block paving or porous asphalt.

If the surface is not porous, then there must be arrangements in place to ensure that any rainwater is diverted to a border or lawn, for example, so that it can drain away naturally. And if the surface isn’t porous and there are no provisions for water to run off into a permeable area like a lawn, AND the hard surface will cover an area of more than five metres squared, then planning permission will be required.

If you’re in any doubt as to whether you need planning permission or not, it’s always better to ask your local planning department at the council for their advice before any work starts. Otherwise, you run the risk of having to have the driveway or other hard surface removed at your own expense at a later date.

A good surface contractor will be able to advise you on your options, including permeable materials that will generally not need planning permission. Why not call our experienced team at New Look Driveways SE Ltd for ideas for your driveway today?