Do I need planning permission for a driveway?
Whenever you are planning on renovating or modifying your home, you need to consider whether or not you need planning permission. Whilst you may be free to change whatever you like indoors, outdoor renovations are often more complicated. New driveways have their own set of rules. These rules are designed to make sure that your paving preferences don’t create long-term issues such as poor visibility on an adjoining road or flooding.
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When Do You Need Planning Permission?
You won’t always need planning permission for a new driveway. However, there are certain circumstances where you may need to apply for planning permission before you start your project. These circumstances include:
If you are paving more than five square meters of the driveway and/or it doesn’t drain through a permeable surface. This is because flood risks can increase surface area. If this becomes an issue, you may need to consider a permeable paving option for your driveway.
If you are changing the visibility on your road. This might include adding or removing trees, gates, or walls. Any changes you plan to make that adversely affect the driver’s visibility, you will need to apply for planning permission.
If you are making changes to a listed building, you will need to apply for planning permission. The need to protect historic buildings affects planning permission. You will also have to check that your property doesn’t fall under Article 4 directions. This gives local councils the ability to intervene in planning decisions for a variety of reasons.
If you need to add in a drop kerb. For example, if you are expanding your current driveway, you may consider adding a dropped kerb. However, residents do not have the authority to change pavements and roads at their discretion. You will need to speak to your local council before applying for planning permission.
How Do I Get Planning Permission for A Driveway?
In England, you will need to contact your ‘Local Planning Authority, also known as the LPA. You can find them via the Planning Portal. Here you will find all the information you need to work out whether you need planning permission for your new project. You will need to provide information such as proof of property ownership, dimensions of your new project, and any architectural sketches of your plan.
Your LPA is usually your location council. The planning portal website can take you through the process of applying for planning permission. Usually, you would only need to contact your council should you be presented with any issues to do with your project. If you have any questions about planning permission or how to apply, contact The Devon Resin Co. today.
Do I Need Permission to Widen My Driveway?
For the most part, widening your driveway should not require planning permission. The first thing to consider is whether you can widen your driveway without affecting the front elevation and street scene of your home. If your widening project requires demolishing part or all of a boundary wall fronting a highway then this will consider planning permission. If your driveway extension involves replacing lawn or other vegetation with a hardstanding then this will require planning permission. Other things to consider when widening your drive are utility assets such as drains, telecoms boxes, lamp posts, bus stops and such.
Applying For Planning Permission for Your Driveway
In England, you will need to contact your Local Planning Authority. You find contact information for your local authority by visiting the planning portal. You will need to provide them with information such as the dimensions of your new project, proof of property ownership, and architectural sketches of your plan. Your LPA is usually your town, city, or county council. The Planning Portal website can take you through the process and typically you’ll only need to contact your council if there are problems or if you have specific questions.
