Understanding the options available and the legislation guidelines for permeable paving
(26/08/2010)

In 2008, the Government introduced front garden legislation that requires planning permission to lay traditional impermeable driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from front gardens onto roads. However, householders will not require planning permission if they use permeable paving, or have sufficient drainage or soak away to ensure runoff from non-permeable surfaces does not go onto roads.

Permeable paving is certainly the best option environmentally, and the easiest choice when it comes to the new legislation. However not everyone has the right soil conditions for permeable paving and for it to work well, it really does need to be installed by a trained professional.

However the customer decides to manage the rain that lands on their driveway, there are plenty of products on the market what will suit every project. And there’s training available for any building professional who might be unsure about how to install permeable paving.

Catastrophic flooding in parts of the UK in recent years has demonstrated the distressing consequences of overloading our drainage system and the importance of water management in urban areas. In times of heavy or sustained rainfall, our systems comes under extreme pressure which can often result in surface run off and long term drainage problems.

With changes to Government legislation, it’s now become vital for every building professional to understand SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions) and focus on well balanced, sustainable driveway design.

Marshalls has been leading the way in providing solutions for consumers so they can decide which driveway design is the best solution and remains within the guidelines of the legislation. Make sure you stay ahead of your competitors by understanding the options available and the legislation guidelines.

Here’s Marshalls’ quick guide to options available:

Option 1 – Direct rainwater to a flower bed or another area of the garden which has been designed to allow water to drain away. NO PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED
This option may involve using linear drainage or a driveway channel. It may also involve putting a soakaway underneath part of the lawn.
Marshalls product suggestion: Driveline 50 Vintage, Drivesett Tegula, Drivesett Argent

Option 2 – Use permeable paving which allows rainwater to drain through the driveway into the ground below. NO PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED
Be sure to prepare the driveway sub-base using 6mm and 20mm clean crushed stone, which allows water to travel down between the blocks into the ground. Marshalls’ Priora and Grassguard range are ideal solutions for a permeable driveway.
Marshalls product suggestion: Driveline Priora, Grassguard

Option 3 – Do not make any provision for the rain water that falls on your driveway.
PLANNING PERMISSION IS REQUIRED
This is the least sustainable option and may contribute towards a build up of rainwater on the property during times of heavy rain. If planning permission is granted, there’s a great variety of concrete block paving products available in a range of sizes and colours.
Marshalls product suggestion: Driveline 50 Vintage, Drivesett Tegula, Drivesett Argent

Customers will be encouraged to seek out fully trained building professionals, so you might consider becoming part of Marshalls’ Register of Approved Installers. These installers are independent and they abide by Marshalls’ stringent installation guidelines. Approved Installers are vetted and checked by Marshalls’ own professional assessors and they have access to a full programme of support including marketing collateral, exclusive products and offers, and training on permeable paving and sales techniques.