Planning permission

Be careful if you have, or intend to have, paving layed in your garden. Some people may already know this, ( I didn't), but if you want to pave over any part of your garden that exceeds 5 square metres, it now requires planning permission.
It is believed that one in eight of those who have paved over their garden to create off-road parking, may be in breach of planning regulations.
Insurance companies say "Surface water flooding is a growing problem for home-owners, particularly those living in built-up areas where there is less green space".
Since 2008 any new installation of impermeable paving in front gardens exceeding 5 sq.mtrs needs permission.
Apparently many homeowners are unaware of the regs and risk hefty fines.

Re: Planning permission

That is hard to believe(not you -the regulation) 5 square metres is nothing.

A five metre square ie 25 square metres I could understand.

Re: Planning permission

The key word is "impermeable" and given the flooding concerns in some areas does make sense. There are ways other than a slab of concrete to provide a parking space for a car.

Re: Planning permission

Seems a good idea to me, down our road I think only 2 people still have a front garden, it's becoming a concrete jungle. We need greenery and flowers etc to cheer everyone up not grey concrete.

Re: Planning permission

It came into force to allow rain water to soak into the ground which in turn affects water levels. Also road drains wern't made to take the amount of water from peoples premises, only from the highway

Re: Planning permission

i agree with this, our estate is gradually becoming more car dominated with less trees. the trees are either in the way of creating yet another off road space or car owners don't like the leaves on their cars.

the situation is made worse where i live as the local council allows the sale of incidental land which means fewer green verges and those which survive get churned up with parking.

Re: Planning permission

Why not get the pavers that allow grass to grow but provide a solid surface for a car to be parked on? Best of both worlds and the water can seep into the soil.


I wonder if part of the problem is because in the UK they mix storm water and sewage (or they used to when I lived there) and tertiary treatment of storm water is just a waste of money. I'm only speculating.

Re: Planning permission

Great suggestion

Re: Planning permission

Only thing is Bruce, when the grass grows through, how to you keep it down? Not sure if I'd fancy my mower blades bashing that concrete underneath?

Re: Planning permission

Not everywhere Bruce my storm water goes into a separate drain

Part of the problem is farmers and councils no longer do ditch clearing these days and many are full of debris.

'Hedging and ditching' used to be standard winter work for farmers and council workers, a clean ditch is a rare sight these days.