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Although you may own the land that your house is built on, there are still certain restrictions and regulations that you’ll need to follow when it comes to making changes to your property. Driveway permission is one thing you should keep in mind if you’re getting surfacing or resurfacing work done on your driveway. 

Driveway planning permission in the UK, also known as planning consent or statutory approval, is something you’ll need to acquire from your local planning authority (LPA). This is needed to regulate the development of an area in the public interest and ensure the work carried out adheres to sustainability and infrastructure guidelines without compromising the neighbourhood's character. 

As resurfacing experts, our team at LSL Surfacing can help property owners build a SUDS-compliant driveway and answer any questions about how to get planning permission for a driveway. 

This guide explores the instances when you’ll need permission, the process of getting a permit, and when you can build a driveway without worrying about regulatory compliance. 

When is Planning Permission Needed for Driveways?

Driveway planning permission in the UK is needed under the following circumstances:

Driveways Made with Impermeable Material

You’ll need planning permission for a new driveway when using non-porous materials, such as tarmac, concrete, asphalt, porcelain paving slabs, ceramic tiles and natural stones, like granite. 

These materials don’t allow water to soak into the ground and lead to surface run-off, which can clog the local drainage system, lead to flooding, and even cause pollution (driveway runoff is usually a mixture of oil and other debris).

The UK government promotes SUDS-compliant driveways, and obtaining statutory approval is one way to achieve this. This also encourages people to choose sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

If Driveway Connects to Highways or Other Public Roads

If your driveway connects to a public main road, you’ll need to obtain planning permission in the UK. This is because the LPA needs to determine whether the new approach can disrupt traffic flow, reduce visibility for oncoming traffic and pedestrians, or increase the risk of a collision. 

When driveways connect to main roads, the construction can impact the pavements, curbs, and even underground services. Your local planning authority will need to ensure that your driveway construction and service dressing work is done in a safe and legally compliant manner, following the right material and construction process and with no damage to public property. 

Some roads, such as A, B, or C roads, often require stricter controls, as LPAs need to manage the number of positions of access points while preventing unnecessary congestion.

Driveways in Specific Areas

If your property is located in a conservation area or an area within the Article 4 Direction, you’ll also need driveway permission from the LPA. 

Properties with listed building status also need to acquire a permit for building new approaches or making any modifications. Look at your property details before constructing anything new.

Driveways Measuring More than 5 Square Metres

If you plan to work on a driveway that measures over 5 square metres and uses impermeable materials, you’ll need to seek planning permission. 

If you’re increasing the size of an existing driveway, which involves removing boundary walls, vegetation or impacting neighbouring properties in any way, you need to contact the LPA. Similarly, by increasing the size of the driveway, if you need to add a dropped curb, a permit is needed. 

This rule is also in place to avoid removing vegetation and greenery and turning areas into concrete jungles that lead to localised flooding.

When is Planning Permission Not Needed?

Planning permission in the UK is not needed in the following circumstances:

If your driveway is less than 5 square metres in size, meaning it has minimal impact on drainage or flooding.
You’re using permeable materials that allow rainwater to pass through the surface and don’t contribute to localised flooding. Some common materials include gravel, natural sandstone, resin-bound paving, and decorative aggregates.
If the driveway slopes towards a ditch or your garden.
If you’re repairing or resurfacing an existing driveway without increasing the size or accessibility.
If you’re making small alterations like adding or removing edge stones.

How to Get Planning Permission for Driveway?

Follow this five-step process to get planning permission for your driveway:

Contact the local planning authority
Prepare the application documentation. You might need to supply details such as site plans, location plans, proposed modification diagrams, drainage process, and the material to be used
Submit the application online: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/apply
Pay the standard fee
Apply separately for a dropped curb (if needed). This application must be sent to the local highways department 
The LPA usually takes 8 weeks to let you know their decision. Sometimes they might reject the proposal, or they might approve it with minor modifications.

Contact LSL Surfacing for Customised Driveway Surfacing Solutions

Driveway permission helps you abide by the UK’s environmental and infrastructural guidelines. At LSL Surfacing, we have decades of experience in helping property owners with driveway surfacing and construction. 

Are you looking to resurface your driveway? Backed by over 25 years of experience, we provide the best-in-class solutions for all your driveway needs. 

Our surface dressing solutions are available in Bedfordshire, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire. 

Call us on 01223 420369 or 07522 830636 for more information.