Planning Petrmission/Application for Block paving drive?

dz6kb4

Hi all.

Apologies if this is in the wrong place, I couldn't find a building section.

We have recently moved into a new house and have a front garden that we want to remove and turn into a brick/concrete block paving (the small brick sized pavings with gaps inbetween).

The contractor we want to use has told us he's not sure about planning permission as he is used to doing solid ground renovations. But has told us because we are cutting into existing turf we may need planning permission.

Looking on a few websites, it looks like if you are using block paving with gaps inbetween to allow water between you don't need planning permission.

We phoned the council this morning and they didn't answer the question but said we need to pay £150 to send an application whether we need the permission or not! Surely there should be a an answer to this before people have to send an application in which will take 2 months only to find out we didn't need the permission in the first place?

Anyone have experience with this and know if I can get on with the work or not??

Many thanks.

martinsurrey

the gaps dont count (in rain the water will just run over them).

its the materials for the blocks that matters. If they are normal blocks,they are not water permeable, and you’ll know if they are water permeable as they cost a lot more.

You don’t need permission if

1) The blocks are permeable

2) You install drainage channels so all the water drains into your own grounds through a suitable soak away.

I wouldnt trust anyone to do this if they didnt know the rules!

Doozergirl

Regular block paving is not what they'd classify as permeable.

This is the permeable stuff - it looks incredibly similar in the pics bit the blocks aren't regualar - they have nibs on them which cause the blocks to sit further apart. Best to go into a Jewson or Travis Perkins or such like to look.
http://www.marshalls.co.uk/homeowners/view-driveline-priora-permeable-block-paving

Have a look at the planning portal for further advice on permitted development.

Mojisola

Have you seen this? - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7728/pavingfrontgardens.pdf
and this - https://www.pavingexpert.com/permeable04.htm

Do you have a dropped kerb? If not, you will need to involve the council.

dz6kb4

Thanks for your replies guys..read all the links..now I know what permeable block paving is:)

I spoke to the guy who is meant to be doing the work and he confirmed he hasn't quoted us for permeable paving.

Therefore, I will submit the planning application as the cost of the application is going to be a lot less than the permeable paving bricks.

Because, most of my road has had the same paving done, what is the risk if I submit the application, and start the work and have the council sign it off when complete?

I need the work done ASAP as parking on the road is dangerous and the application is likely to take 8 weeks.

I have already had drop curb application approved.

Thanks for your help.

browneyedbazzi

I wouldn't start the work until you have the permission granted because if it is refused (or they find that you've started before getting permission) you could have to dig up the work and start again - with the permeable paving.

From what I've heard about permissions for block paving, just because the neighbours and others in the street have it doesn't mean you will get permission - it may actually damage your chances if a lot of the street has already paved over their front gardens. Having a lot of properties in one area with paved gardens increases the risks of flooding so if your house is one of few still with a garden it may be refused. It's not like a loft conversion where if the neighbour has one a precedent is set and they almost have to grant yours.

I_have_spoken

Why not just pave where the wheels go, then gravel under the car?

DRP

I would definitely change contractor. They don't seem to be experts at all.

We've been let with damp problems in our new house because a contractor for the previous owners made a bridge job of paving the front garden into a drive.

bouicca21

I looked into this for a house I wanted to buy. My council has the rules for paving front gardens on the website. Permeable or an adequate soak away are compulsory. They also have rules about the size of area to be paved. It has to be big enough to permit a Chelsea tractor, without overhanging onto the pavement. If it isn't, arguing that I only need a space big enough to park my little micra was clearly going to cut no ice.

Doozergirl

The planning rules have changed since your neighbours did theirs drives. I certainly wouldn't expect to get retrospective PP; the fact is that you have no need not to use permeable paving or introduce a suitable soakaway. I also can't believe that the permeable paving costs that much more, or that PP is worth waiting eight weeks for. How many square metres are you doing?

Seriously, I think the contractor is feeding you BS somewhere along the line, so that he can suit himself. The only person who will have to fork out for PP and a potentially failed application is you.