You will not need planning permission if a new or replacement driveway of any size uses permeable (or porous) surfacing, such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally.
However, where the surface to be covered is more than five square metres, planning permission will be required for laying impermeable driveways that do not provide for the water to run to a permeable area.
Why resurfacing car parks, gardens and driveways is a problem
Rainwater running off hard surfaces following heavy rainfall (surface water) can cause drains to overflow and flood homes and businesses. Many UK floods have been caused by surface water, and these can result in loss of life, severe disruption and damage. Therefore, minimising surface water run-off from hard surfacing is an important aspect of managing flood risk.
Hard surfaces that water cannot seep through also collect pollution, such as sediment, oil and petrol, which is washed directly into drains. In many areas, this polluted water drains directly into rivers, harming wildlife and the environment. Unpaved areas also provide a local cooling effect, particularly in hot summers, which is lost if they are paved over. The loss of front gardens removes valuable wildlife habitats. This is a concern in cities like Peterborough, where space is limited.
What you can do
Permeable and porous surfaces can provide a suitable surface for pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic, while allowing rainwater to infiltrate through the surface and into the ground.
There are three main types of solution to creating a permeable / porous surface:
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Using gravel or a mainly green, vegetated area (please note the driveway must be hard bound for the first 5 metres behind the highway boundary)
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Directing water from an impermeable surface to a border rain garden or soakaway
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Using permeable block paving, porous asphalt or concrete
Permeable block paving can now be used in the same colours and design pattern to replace the need for impermeable surfaces such as tarmac.
If you would like advice about using porous or permeable surfaces of any kind, whether grass or paving, please contact our Drainage Team.
Contact the Drainage Team
Sustainable Drainage Team
Peterborough City Council
Dodson House
Peterborough
PE1 5XG
Email: drainage@peterborough.gov.uk
Phone: 01733 747474
Report concerns of non-compliance
If you are aware of a homeowner or developer that has not complied with the rules, you can report your concerns to our Planning Compliance Team.