1st October 2008 sees the introduction of new legislation for the construction of domestic driveways. The new laws mean that planning permission will be required for any driveway (technically any area over 5 square metres) where rainwater is allowed to drain onto roads or pavements rather than being managed within the confines of the garden. This is, in effect, an extension of the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) rules that have affected commercial developments for some time.
The reason for SUDS and the new legislation is that the combined effect of thousands of square metres of new paving pouring water into an existing drainage system can be potentially catastrophic. Firstly, in heavy rain the extra volume of water can overwhelm the sewers and ditches that carry the water away, causing local flooding. Secondly the water that is washed off these paved surfaces can be contaminated with oil, organic matter and unsavoury chemicals – while an individual drive may not contribute too much the combined effect of many driveways can result in a harmful effect on the flora and fauna within the water courses that are used for drainage. Finally the water that is diverted into the drainage pipes does not contribute to the maintenance and replenishment of ground water levels, leading to further environmental damage.
So what can the average householder do about this?
Well, the first option is to use a permeable paving system such as permeable block pavers (not standard blocks), porous asphalt or gravel. Of course gravel is not a great surface to use on a sloping driveway and (unfortunately for designers) many porous paving systems are ‘aesthetically challenged’ but we hope that the new laws will encourage manufacturers to expand the range of products that are available. The second option is to take care of the water on site – perhaps by draining the driveway to a lawn of planting bed or adding a soakaway (if building regs permit this).
Perhaps these new regulations will even encourage people to think a little harder about the design of their front gardens rather than simply paving every square inch. After all it is possible to have a front garden that accommodates the family cars and still looks good!
