The general rule in England
Creating or widening a hard surface in a front garden normally needs planning permission if rainwater will not be able to drain away naturally to a permeable area. Surfaces that let water pass through them, or that drain to a permeable area such as a lawn or border, are usually exempt from that requirement.
Where you are usually fine
- A permeable surface built on a permeable build-up, so water soaks through.
- A surface that drains to an existing lawful outfall.
- Repairs or re-laying a surface that is already there, on the same lines.
Where you should check first
- A new, impermeable surface over a front garden that previously let water soak away.
- Widening or creating a vehicle access onto the highway.
- A property that is listed, or in a conservation area — several of the towns we work in have one.
- Flats, shared drives and leased properties, where a landlord's or freeholder's consent may also be needed.
- New or altered drainage that would run towards a neighbour.
How we handle it
We flag anything that looks like it needs a planning question at your assessment, and we will tell you plainly if we think you should raise it with the council before work is scheduled. The decision is the council's, and we won't tell you a permission is a formality — if it matters to the job, confirm it in writing with them.