Thousands of homeowners upgrade their driveways every year without realizing they may need to consider drainage regulations and planning requirements. According to SuDS (sustainable drainage systems) compliance, a new driveway over 5sqm generally needs to be permeable or direct water to a suitable drainage area to help prevent flooding and pressure on public drainage networks. This allows rainwater to naturally soak into the surface underneath, unlike traditional asphalt driveways, which cause water to run off into public systems.
Three Common Driveway Mistakes Homeowners Make
Thinking Only About Appearance
While you might be eager to focus on the end result of your driveway project, prioritizing functionality and drainage is vital to ensure you are not breaking any rules. Amy Andrews, managing director, and Andy McLaughlin, sales and operations director at RF Paving, shared their expertise on their podcast Paving The Way. Amy said: "I think people focus on what it's going to look like at the end, and the drainage is an afterthought. It can actually be quite an issue if not done properly." Andy added: "Certain driveways can be illegal. Anything over five square metres when you're inputting a driveway, you generally need planning permission. There are various things to consider, such as drainage and where that surface water is going to go."
Ignoring What's Underneath
Homeowners often approach driveway renovations as a flat layer project rather than a whole system. Considering the layers underneath is crucial to meeting regulations. Andy explained that porcelain paving can be used if the system is permeable: "Your paving itself doesn't need to be permeable, but your paving system does. The jointing compound and all the things below it let the water through." Amy added: "You can't use porcelain if the sub base isn't prepped to be permeable. You've got to plan it from the ground up. If it's draining the wrong way, it's pointless."
Forgetting Where Water Will Go
While there is no set maximum fine for breaking regulations, councils can submit an enforcement notice to enforce SuDS rules. You must submit planning permission if you install a driveway over 5sqm using impermeable materials like concrete, asphalt, or porcelain. Andy said: "It should be one of the first things you think about. You might not like what they advise, but always check with the council before doing any work." Amy added: "If it's over five square metres and not running to a permeable area, it can become illegal. All runoff water needs to run into your own property, not the highway."
