Here’s what you need to know about UK driveway rules
People who live in homes with a driveway may need to pay up to £1,000, according to experts. Home improvement job quote site whatcost has helpfully laid out a number of driveway regulations that must be adhered to in the UK.
A number of these rules relate to driveway drainage, with regulations in place to tackle flooding and manage surface water runoff in urban areas. These rules stipulate that any driveway larger than 5m2 must incorporate a drainage system, although there are exceptions if you opt for permeable driveway materials.
Depending on your driveway’s size, your location, and the type of drain you select, whatcost suggests you could be looking at costs ranging up to £1,000. As per UK driveway drainage regulations, drainage systems should be fitted at the base of your driveway to assist with water runoff.
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Without adequate drainage systems, water build-up from heavy rain can inflict significant damage on your property. As well as this, impermeable driveway materials like asphalt or tarmac can soak up pollutants from your vehicle, which can then seep into water systems during heavy rain.
The absence of a drainage system can also be detrimental to the environment, impacting rivers and lakes. So adhering to driveway drainage regulations and installing a drainage system helps prevent pollution and protect the local environment.
According to GOV.UK urban areas have experienced severe flooding since 2007 due to poor drainage systems. This has led to a rise in the popularity of permeable driveways, which not only help prevent flooding but also eliminate the need for planning permissions.
Permeable driveway options include gravel driveways, permeable block pavers, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, porous asphalt, and resin-bound paving. Gravel driveways are, according to whatcost, the cheapest permeable option.