Permeable Driveway Specialists Town
If you’re looking to have a new driveway installed in Town, you might have come across the term “permeable” and wondered what it means. Put simply, it’s a driveway that lets water drain through it rather than running off onto the road or your neighbour’s property.
Why It Matters
Since 2008, planning regulations changed in England and Wales. If you’re installing a new driveway larger than 5 square metres using traditional impermeable materials like standard tarmac or concrete, you’ll need planning permission if the area previously had a permeable surface, such as soil or grass. This is to help prevent local drainage systems from being overwhelmed by excess surface water runoff.
There are practical benefits, though, aside from the official requirements. Permeable driveways help prevent:
- Puddles and standing water on your drive
- Water runoff floods your garden or the street
- Overwhelmed drains during heavy rain
- Ice formation in winter (water drains away rather than sitting on the surface)
Available Permeable Options For Town
Block Paving with Drainage
This is standard block paving with wider joints filled with gravel or sand, and a sub-base designed to allow water to pass through. It looks like a regular block paved driveway but functions as a permeable surface. Comes in various colours and patterns.
Permeable Block Paving
This type of block paving has a wider gap built into them that allows water to run off down easily. It is always laid on a fine stone grit with a permeable base built underneath it to allow the water to drain down fast and safely.
Gravel or Shingle
The most straightforward permeable option. Water drains straight through the stones into the ground below. It requires a suitable base, proper edging to keep it in place, and occasional top-ups, but it’s cost-effective and works well.
Resin Bound Surfacing
A mixture of resin and aggregate that creates a smooth, permeable surface. The gaps between the stones allow water to drain through. It’s low maintenance, doesn’t move or spread like gravel, and comes in different colours. The resin is installed on top of an open-textured concrete or tarmac base, which allows the water to drain down safely and easily.
Grass Reinforcement Grids
Plastic or concrete grids that support the weight of vehicles whilst allowing grass to grow through. Good if you want a green driveway, though it needs mowing and doesn’t suit homes with heavy daily use.
Permeable Tarmac
Specialist porous asphalt that looks like standard tarmac but is designed with gaps to let water through. Not as common for domestic driveways, but it’s an option and very commonly used as a base for resin surfacing.
If you are thinking of getting a permeable driveway installed, we would love to help. You can call our team today on 0123 456 7890 to book a free estimate in Town for installing a permeable driveway.
