How does one secure approval for constructing driveways? Our specialist breaks it down.

How does one secure approval for constructing driveways? Our specialist breaks it down.

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Title: Driveways Unraveled: Everything You Need to Know about Getting Planning Permission

Ever find yourself puzzled about the rules regarding driveways, especially when converting your front garden into one or expanding an existing one? Or perhaps you're mulling over driveway ideas for that electric vehicle? Regardless of your situation, our planning expert, Simon Rix, guides you through the various scenarios, ensuring your driveway project complies with the rules.

A Matter of Planning Permission or Permitted Development?

The need for planning permission for a driveway varies depending on your circumstances. For new build projects, the details of the driveway form part of the planning application for the new dwelling, allowing you to forgo a separate application for the driveway itself.

However, for existing homes, the rules aren't so straightforward. In some cases, driveways come under "permitted development," which means you can proceed without a specific planning approval. But, be cautious. There are several instances where "permitted development rights" don't apply, as discussed below.

When Permitted Development Rights Don't Apply

Though you can utilize permitted development rights (PDR) instead of planning permission for driveways, there are particular situations when you'll need full approval:

1. Flats and Maisonettes: PDR for most home improvements, including driveways, do not apply to these properties.
2. Converted Homes: If your home was transformed into a dwelling using PDR (i.e., those converted from launderettes, betting offices, etc.), full planning permission for a driveway will be required.
3. Removed PDR Conditions: If the planning permission used for an existing house specifically removed PDR as one or more of the conditions of consent, they do not apply here.
4. PDR Removed Across the Area: Some areas of the country have removed PDR across the board for all properties in a defined area. If this applies to your house, then you'll need planning permission for a driveway.
5. Listed Buildings: If you reside in a heritage-listed building, full planning and listed building consent will be necessary before any modifications.

Converting a Front Garden into a Driveway

While it's possible to replace or install a new hard surface in front of an existing house without planning permission in some cases, conditions apply. To change the area without planning permission, it must be less than five square metres. If you require a larger driveway, a permeable (porous) surface such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving, or porous asphalt must be used.

Don't Neglect the Matter of Dropped Kerbs

When designing your driveway, it's essential to consider how to access it from the road. If you're converting some or all of a front garden into a driveway, a license and/or planning permission for dropped kerbs from your local authority will likely be required.

Why Article 4 and Homes in Conservation Areas Might Require Planning Permission

Many urban local authorities are increasingly using Article 4 Directions to remove PD rights for front gardens, especially in conservation areas. Speak with your local planning department to discuss your plans before beginning any work.

Regulations for Widening an Existing Driveway

If the driveway is in front of your house and you're proposing more than five square metres of traditional, impermeable driveway that does not allow water to run into a permeable area, you'll need planning permission to widen it. If it's on land other than your front garden, no restrictions typically apply to the type of driveway area you can cover using impermeable hard surfaces.

Applying for Planning Permission for Driveways

If you're seeking planning permission for a driveway connected to an existing house, the application process will be via the householder applications route. The new householder application fees are £262, plus the cost of a planning consultant's services.

Planning Permission for Driveways and New Homes

When building a new home, you won't need to submit a separate application for a driveway. However, if you wish to share an existing driveway or access point with the new home, this will need to be clearly shown as part of the detailed planning application for your new house.

EV Charging Points: The New Frontier

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging point may involve planning implications, particularly for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas. Even though driveway planning permission is waived in most cases, a standalone EV charger unit might still require consent in these locations.

Whether you're looking to optimize your front garden, tackle tight spaces, or consider a rotating driveway, doing your homework can help ensure a practical and stylish parking solution that suits your needs.

1. The rules for designing a driveway at home can be confusing, especially when extending or converting a front garden into one, or for accommodating electric vehicles.
2. For new build projects, the details of the driveway often form part of the planning application for the new dwelling, eliminating the need for a separate driveway application.
3. In the case of existing homes, the rules for driveways aren't always straightforward; sometimes they fall under "permitted development," which means you can proceed without a specific planning approval.
4. However, there are instances where "permitted development rights" don't apply, such as for flats and maisonettes, converted homes, homes with removed PDR conditions, homes in areas where PDR has been removed, listed buildings, and homes in conservation areas.
5. If you plan to convert a front garden into a driveway and require a larger area, a permeable surface like gravel, permeable concrete block paving, or porous asphalt should be used.
6. It's important to consider how to access your driveway from the road, as converting some or all of a front garden into a driveway might require a license and/or planning permission for dropped kerbs from your local authority.
7. Many urban local authorities are increasingly using Article 4 Directions to remove PD rights for front gardens, especially in conservation areas.
8. When widening an existing driveway in front of your house and more than five square metres of traditional, impermeable driveway is proposed that does not allow water to run into a permeable area, planning permission is needed to widen it. If it's on land other than your front garden, no restrictions usually apply to the type of driveway area you can cover using impermeable hard surfaces.

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