A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DRIVEWAY PLANNING PERMISSION

When you’re looking to add a driveway to your property or replace your existing one, you’ll need to find out whether or not planning permission is needed.

We’ve successfully installed dozens of driveways in the Edinburgh area including those that needed planning permission and those that didn’t.

As part of our driveway installation services, we’re happy to provide our customers detailed information on planning permission requirements. If you’re just looking for some general details at this stage, please keep reading below.

There are a number of scenarios where planning permission for a driveway is usually needed.

• Within the boundary of flats

If for example you live in a ground floor flat and want to transform your front garden into a new driveway, you will typically need planning permission. This will give other residents in your block notification of your intentions and the opportunity to object to the plans.

• In a conservation area

When you live in a conservation area and want to replace your current driveway or get a brand new one, you should expect to have to apply for planning permission.

• Where there is no drainage and the material used is non-permeable

If you plan on having a concrete driveway and don’t have any drainage or run-off facility, you may have to get planning permission. The reason for this is your local authority doesn’t want lots of surface water running from your property onto the public highway and causing problems for other road users.

• Your house is a listed building

If your property is a listed building you’ll know already you can’t make certain changes and alterations without prior approval. Installing a new driveway will generally need permission before being installed.

You generally won’t need planning permission for a new driveway when you fall into the criteria below:

• A permeable or non-permeable surface where water can be directed to suitable drainage. • Refreshing your current driveway with a similar material and the same drainage facilities.

When you do need planning permission for your new driveway, you’ll have to apply for it to your local authority. We’re happy to talk you through the process and help you with the paperwork.

Even if you don’t require planning permission for your new drive, if you plan on having the kerb lowered, you will need a permit from your local council which we can arrange on your behalf.

If you’re in any doubt as to whether you need planning permission or not, it’s always best to seek professional advice. Having any work done on your driveway without the necessary permissions can be a false economy if you later have to undo it of permission isn’t granted by your local authority.