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earthman's blog

Have you Heard

5:43 PM on 8 April 2008

Filed under: My business

Has any one heard about the proposed legislation that when you construct any non permeable surface {drive terrace or patio }

That as of this autumn planning permission will have to be applied for.

Is seems that it is connection with the paving over of front gardens and the issue of drainage.

Its looks like that they are recommending the use of Suds systems {Sustainable Drainge systems}

I awit your resonse.

ADW

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LouisaBell - 7:46 PM on 16 April 2008

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The legislation comes into force in about 2 months. It's a result of the floods this year and is aimed to discourage people from paving over their front gardens to allow parking. I am still not sure if driveway paviors are going to be included as a hard landscaped surface or not, and I'll keep you posted if I hear any more. However, planning will definitely be needed very soon to create any kind of parking space in a front garden that changes the terrain from planted to paved. Hope that helps. Louisa.

eazybarraman - 4:37 PM on 11 April 2008	[ message ]
I have heard this is the case.It would appear that legislation will come in september this year. Any new drives or patios will have to be permeable blocks or paving stones, or some form of suds otherwise planning has to be applied for and may or may not be granted, Eric

4DGarden - 10:45 AM on 9 April 2008

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I think that it is a positive development from the environmental point of view. However I hope that the regulation will be applied with common sense. The permeable paving is produced now in great variety of materials but not all soils are suitable for that. Also it should be realised that not all paving cause a discharge of surface water to the drainage system. Majority of patios in the back gardens discharge the water to the soft areas and therefore there should be no reason for restrictions. Let's see how the implantation works.
marzenna

Jonathan - 9:33 AM on 9 April 2008

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I for one am very pleased this law is coming into force. Most front gardens are so ugly especially with the entire garden block paved over. I suspect once the detail of the law is issued it will be watered down (excuse the pun) a little and it will depend on how much of an area you wish to pave. However with most councils struggling for staff in their panning depts this could mean your drive may have to wait months before proceeding. Hopefully this will stir clients into doing something more productive and far more appealing with their front gardens

Outdoorscapes - 8:51 AM on 9 April 2008

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Alex, the other thing is driveway companies are up in arms about this. Tarmac companies could go out of business aswell as driveway specialists. Since you know how cut throat the driveway business is, SUDS require more expense, more excavation, more cart away and more landfill!! Plus many clients will not be able to afford it. Ive been told it could cost 50% more than your normal block paved installation.

JennyWigwam - 8:34 PM on 8 April 2008

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Hi Alex,

As far as I understand it, as you suggest, this is motivated by concern about rainwater run-off rather than aesthetics or environmental concerns. Have a look at the DEFRA ***page for more information. All I've seen there seems typically vague but I notice that if you do a search for 'paving over front gardens' in Google, a number of councils have issued statements and factsheets regarding the changes. I understand from an architect that I'm working with that concrete tracks are ok if the remainder of the surface has something like a membrane and gravel on it - not necessarily the prettiest thing but it might be better in some circumstances than those Suds blocks.

It might be worth having a chat with your local building control dept and see what they make of it.

Cheers

Jenny

Outdoorscapes - 8:11 PM on 8 April 2008	[ message ]
Hi Alex, that is correct, I believe this will only apply to front gardens adjoining the public road. I have seen the free drainage block paving, which is basically concrete blocks with gaps between them. I personally think they look really ugly and the gaps will quickly get clogged up with dirt and weeds etc.Creating more maintenance issues.

TGNAdmin - 5:47 PM on 8 April 2008	[ message ]
Hi Alex, The BBC 'one show' did a piece on it last week - a quick demo with the new 'free draining' paving system. Looked impressive at first glance. As you point out, they also said it was being proposed for Autumn onwards, to be the only 'planning permission free' surface for garden patio's and driveways??? Doesnt seem long if true... Pat Mac.

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