The rules for paving a front garden changed in 2008. Here’s the full explanation of what’s permitted development, why the rule exists, and what your options are if you want impermeable paving.
Since 1 October 2008, permitted development rights for hard surfaces in front gardens require those surfaces to be permeable — or to direct run-off to a lawn or border. Any non-permeable hard surface over 5m² in the front garden requires planning permission.
By 2008, over half of front gardens in cities were covered with hard surfaces, overloading urban drainage systems and contributing to flash flooding. The government introduced the permeable surfacing requirement as an amendment to permitted development rights rather than creating a new planning application category.
5m² is approximately 2m × 2.5m — too small for a car parking space. In practice, the exception only benefits very small paved areas such as paths. Any driveway will exceed this threshold.
Popular permeable options: gravel (£15–40/m²), resin-bound gravel (£50–120/m², most popular for driveways), permeable block paving (£60–100/m²), grass reinforcement mesh (£20–50/m²).
Submit a householder planning application via planningportal.co.uk. Fee: £258 (2025). Typically determined within 8 weeks. Most straightforward applications in non-sensitive areas are approved.
No. The rule only applies to new surfaces laid after October 2008. Existing non-permeable driveways do not need to be changed. However, complete replacement of an existing driveway is treated as new construction and the permeable rules apply.
Extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, solar panels — our complete guide covers everything you can build without planning permission.
Maximize your property’s footprint with precision and ease. Permitted provides complete design for Permitted Development Rights, ensuring your project meets all national requirements while bypassing the lengthy full planning permission process.
