Getting a brand new driveway surfaced is a great way to improve the front of your property and add value to it as well. However, before you start looking at any ideas to improve your driveway, it’s important to keep yourself up to date with the latest legislation…
Driveway legislation
Legislation when it comes to driveways exists in order to help reduce the risk of flooding and its potential impacts. Essentially, if you have a new driveway that measures over 5m2, you must be able to provide a drainage system for the water to run to a permeable area. If it doesn’t have this, you will have to acquire planning permission.
The UK of course sees a fair amount of rainfall, and the risk of flooding to street drains and driveways can be a big problem. Thankfully, there are drainage options out there which are both innovative and sustainable, and that also can suit your budget.
So let’s take a look at a couple of examples to help you comply with the legislation.
Get the drainage down
There’s a few options out there to ensure you have good drainage for your driveway. Keep in mind though that if you don’t use permeable surface material, you still have to make sure that any rainwater that falls on your driveway is directed back onto the surrounding land and not into the drainage system. You can achieve this by opting for thing like concrete units that can complement your driveway surface, while creating an integral channel which directs rainwater runoff away into a suitable soak-up area around your property.
Opt for permeable paving
Another solution to help you comply with legislation is to choose permeable paving options as your driveway surface. Permeable surface material will eliminate the need to have additional drainage and you won’t need to gain additional planning permission either.
Permeable paving is designed so that rainwater can seep through to the ground below, without overloading the drains on your street. This type of paving can look great, be cost effective and help to reduce the risk of flooding. This type of driveway can be made up of a cement mix or bricks that can allow water to run through the cracks.
At Premier Surfacing, we have years of industry experience that can be applied to helping you find the ideal driveway. Our staff are happy to answer any questions you have and will be there to help every step of the way. For more information get in touch on 01952 840 838.
