Do I need planning permission for a resin drive?

Are you wondering “Do I need planning permission for a resin drive?” If so, you’re not alone. This is a common question, with many property owners unsure if they need approval before the work goes ahead. Read on to find out more. 

Is your driveway resin bound or resin bonded?

The answer to the question “Do I need planning permission for a resin drive?” largely depends on whether you’ve chosen a resin bound or resin bonded driveway. Resin bound driveways can be constructed to any size without the need to obtain planning permission. This is also the case for other types of permeable driveways, including gravel and porous asphalt. 

You may also be able to also avoid obtaining planning permission if rainwater runs off to a lawn or border. You can achieve this by using an in-built trench or drainage system. This allows the water to drain away naturally, helping to prevent flooding. 

However, resin bonded driveways are a different story. The largest they can be constructed to without needing planning permission is 5m2. This is the same for other impermeable driveways such as those built from concrete. If you want a resin bonded driveway that’s bigger than this, you’ll need to obtain consent from your local authority. The reason for this is that these driveways don’t allow water to run to a permeable area, raising the risk of flooding. 

What type of building do you live in?

Where you live will also determine if you’ll need planning permission for a resin driveway. This is because the above guidance relates only to the front gardens of houses and not to buildings such as maisonettes, converted houses, or houses created via permitted development rights applying to change of use. If you’re not sure if these circumstances apply to you, we recommend contacting your local planning authority. They can let you know if you’ll need planning permission. 

Are you adding a driveway to the side or rear of your home?

You may want to keep in mind that there are no restrictions on the sections of land either at or near ground level on a property. This means you can install a driveway at the side or rear of your home without needing planning permission. Of course, you’ll need to ensure that all the other guidance is adhered to. 

Do you need to add in a dropped kerb?

When installing a new driveway in front of your home, you’ll need to consider if you’ll need a dropped kerb. If the answer’s yes, you’ll need to obtain planning permission. A dropped kerb is necessary if you plan to drive your vehicle over the pavement into your driveway from the highway. If you don’t have a dropped kerb, you won’t be able to drive over the pavement. If you do, you’ll be breaking the law and action could be taken against you. What’s more, you may be held liable if there’s a collision with a pedestrian as a result.

Why is permeability so important for driveways?

As you can see, the question of whether you’ll need planning permission for a resin driveway mainly depends on whether or not it’s permeable. Permeable driveways like those constructed from resin bound to allow water to drain through, helping to prevent surface flooding. By allowing excess water to find its way into the natural soil or ground, permeable driveways are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. As such, you will not require planning permission if a driveway of any size uses permeable surfacing. Resin bonded driveways are not permeable and therefore require planning permission if they’re over a certain size. 

How to apply for planning permission for a driveway

If you’ve opted for a resin bonded driveway that will measure more than 5m2, you’ll need to get planning permission. To do this in England, contact your “Local Planning Authority” (LPA). You can do this via the Planning Portal website. You’ll need to provide various information, including the dimensions of your new driveway and proof that you own the property. 

Your LPA will usually be your town, city, or county council, however, you’ll usually only need to contact them if you run into any problems or have questions for them to answer. The process can often be completed solely on the Planning Portal website.  

Reputable resin driveway installers in Sheffield 

If you’re looking for a company specialising in the installation of resin driveways in Sheffield, look no further than Resin Mixed Stone. We’ve been installing resin bound and resin bonded driveways in the city and beyond for over 30 years, building up a fantastic reputation for our professional and affordable services. We can install a resin driveway that’s not just attractive and durable but adds value to your home, making it far more desirable to potential buyers. 

Our team are on hand to offer expert advice on applying for planning permission if you do decide to opt for a resin bonded driveway. We’ve helped many of our customers to get the consent they need to construct their perfect driveways, taking so much stress out of the process.

Contact us 

If you’re still wondering, “Do I need planning permission for a resin drive?”, why not get in touch with Resin Mixed Stone? As one of the leading installers of resin driveways in Sheffield, we’re confident that we can answer any questions you may have. With more than three decades of experience at hand, we have a vast amount of knowledge to share. To discuss your requirements, call us on 0114 419 0236. Alternatively, feel free to send us a message via our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.