Turning a grass area into car parking

mah_jong

I wish to turn one half of my grass into car parking.

I have absolutely no idea where to start, what even to ask for when I get quotes. I am assuming that chippy stones would be the cheapest, but does the grass need to be covered? dug up? What about the pavement does the curb need to be lowered? I think I would need a wall around one of the sides, too

TIA

Myrtle

I've not much idea really but I hate the thought of another bit of greenery being lost. How about using something like this
http://www.buildingdesign.co.uk/facil-group4/ground-reinforcement/grass-parking-system.htm

so it still looks like you've got a lawn.

Yes you will need the curb lowering. Contact your Local Authority for details.

mah_jong

Thanks for the link, I am sure it will be expensive!!!! But will investigate anyway.

Do you know that I hadn't thought about the loss of the greenery from that point of view ..... just that it will lessen the mowing by about a fifth.(thats one half of the grass of the grass at the front...not the side or back!!! I would still have more 'greenery' than any of my neighbours (am on a corner) and they all have men who cut the grass!!! :eek:

Gavin57

If you are forming a driveway you need to contact your local councils road department to arrange to get the kerbs turned either by them or an approved contractor. You may also need planning permission depending on a number of things like whether you live in a house or flat or if you are in a conservation area.

Becles

You need to remove all the grass and other plants, and put a thick layer of hard core(?) in before your top layer. If you don't, the grass and weeds will push their way back through.

I had my driveway done professionally, and they took away some of the garden to widen it. They dug down about a foot, so it's a big job to do it properly.

economiser

Remember maintenance of hardstanding can be more than lawn. Grass only need cutting in summer every week or two but hard surfaces need sweeping and or hosing down all through the year. They also show stains from oil leaks.

planning_officer

Regarding the need for planning permission - creating an access to an unclassified road is 'permitted development', i.e. you don't need to submit a planning application - you'll need planning permission to create an access to a classified road (A, B or C roads) though.

Having said that, there is a nasty little clause in the GPDO (Article 3(6)), which states that ANY access can require planning permission if it creates a danger to highway safety, so if you're on a corner plot (as you say you are), and a new access is likely to cause a danger to other road users it may be worth asking the opinion of your Highway Authority (your County Council, or if you live in a metropolitan area, your local authority). Also, if the wall you mention is over 1m in height and adjacent to a highway, that will need planning permission too. Good luck!

You'll need to ask the Highway Authority for a license to drop the kerb, which is completely separate from needing planning permission.