We all know that parking in London can be a challenge which is why you might be tempted to convert an underused front garden into a driveway in London if you are able to.
However, you may also be wondering what rules you need to adhere to and whether you need planning permission for this kind of project.
As is often the case, the answer to whether you need planning permission is “it depends”. That said, if you are only converting a small garden into a driveway and you choose the right surface for your driveway, you will likely not require planning permission for your project.
What are the restrictions on new driveways?
While you can install a driveway of any size, if you want to do so without needing to seek planning permission, the surface needs to be permeable. If you want to install a driveway with a non-permeable surface (like concrete or tarmac) you will typically need planning permission.
The reason being that when driveways are made from impermeable surfaces, when it rains water will run off into the drains. If there’s too much water run off – which can be an issue in urban areas – it can cause problems like flooding.
However, the good news is that by making smart choices about both the size of your new driveway and the material you use for its surface, you can avoid the expense and hassle of seeking planning permission.
What kinds of driveway surfaces are exempt from planning permission?
The main aspect to bear in mind when choosing a surface for your new driveway is whether it will allow water to drain safely without adding to the amount of runoff that ends up in public drains.
According to government guidelines, any porous – or permeable – surface will be exempt from planning permission. This includes gravel driveways, permeable concrete block paving and porous asphalt.
In addition, resin-bound gravel driveways are also exempt from needing planning permission because their surface is porous, allowing rainwater to soak safely into the earth rather than creating large pools.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on non-permeable surfaces entirely. These are still permitted without planning permission provided your driveway is designed to drain rainwater naturally.
That means you could design your driveway so that any rainwater is funnelled off into flowerbeds or a lawn, for instance.
What else should you consider when installing a new driveway?
In addition to thinking about what kind of surface your driveway will have, you may also want to future-proof your space by installing an electric charging point.
Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are becoming an increasingly popular fixture and the government is continuing to assess the permitted development rights in relation to the installation of EV chargers.
Not having off-street parking is often cited as a barrier to EV adoption in the UK, so creating a driveway at your home is likely to boost its value and improve its curb appeal if or when you decide to sell up.
So, when you install a high-quality driveway using experienced professionals, you can end up with not only a guaranteed parking space, but also an asset that will add value to your home when you decide to sell.