Do I Need Planning Permission for a Driveway?

You may need planning permission for a new driveway if you are replacing garden or lawn at the front of your house with non-permeable hardstanding. Permeable surfaces and small areas often do not require permission, but rules depend on surface type, size and drainage.

• Using permeable or porous paving (e.g. gravel, permeable block paving, resin bound)
• Directing rainwater to a lawn or border for natural drainage
• Resurfacing an existing driveway without increasing the hardstanding area
• Creating hardstanding at the rear or side of the property (usual PD rules apply)
• Less than 5 square metres of non-permeable surfacing in the front garden

• More than 5 square metres of non-permeable material in the front garden (e.g. standard tarmac or concrete)
• No provision for rainwater to drain to a permeable area within the property
• Property is a flat or maisonette
• Listed building — separate listed building consent may apply
• Permitted development rights have been removed locally

Even if the driveway itself is permitted development, you will need separate permission from the council to drop the kerb and create a vehicle crossover. This is a highways application, not a standard planning application.

Since 2008, front garden paving rules aim to reduce surface water runoff. Permeable solutions are strongly encouraged and often avoid the need for planning permission altogether.

Front garden size, surface type and property classification all matter. Run a free check to see what applies to your address and project.