Question 1

do you need planning permission for a driveway?

Accepted Answer

As a homeowner, your home is your haven where you can control things and add more value, however that doesn’t give you the license to go around digging up your driveway as you deem fit. Replacing your old driveway with a new one comes with its own unique set of rules which are put in place to ensure that your personal preferences doesn’t pose long term issues such as flooding or poor visibility on any adjoining road. You should however note that it’s not every time you would need a planing permission for your driveway.

Below are the circumstances whereby you’ll need to submit an application before commencing your driveway paving project.

• In the event whereby you are to pave a driveway of over 5 square metres and/or a permeable surface is not available for its drainage. If the later is not available, there’ll be an increase in the flood risk. As a result, there’s the need to take into account permeable paving for your project.

• In the event whereby you’re changing the visibility on your road. These situations include removal of trees, gates or walls and the like. So far your changes negatively affects drivers’ visibility, you’ll need a planning permission.

• In the situations whereby you need to include a drop kerb. You may plan to add in a drop kerb if you’re thinking about expanding your driveway. Therefore, since residents can’t change the roads or pavements at their first fanciful impulse you’ll need to consult your local council before submitting your application.

• In the situation whereby its a listed building. Planning decisions are also greatly affected by the need to protect historic building. So if your building is a listed one, you’d have to submit an application before making changes.

Question 2

How do I stop weeds growing in my gravel driveway?

Accepted Answer

Weeds growing on your gravel can look unsightly, so it’s worth taking steps to stop them sprouting up.

When you lay your driveway, make sure you use a weed proof membrane. This will help to stop most growth, although it won’t totally prevent weeds occurring. For any other growth, dig the weed out or use a weed killer.

Question 3

How to remove oil stains from a concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

Oil stains on your concrete driveway can look obvious and unsightly. However, there are several different ways to remove them.

If you’ve only just spilled the oil, you can use a mixture of absorbent material, like sawdust, and solvent, like acetone or lacquer. Combine these, place them on the stain, cover and leave for about 24 hours. Then sweep up the mixture and rinse the area with water.

If you’ve got a small, older stain, you can use a detergent like baking soda, vinegar, washing up liquid or laundry detergent. Cover the stain with the detergent and leave for about 30 minutes. Then, add hot water and scrub the area and rinse. You might need to repeat this if necessary.

If it’s a larger, more stubborn stain, you might need to use a special degreaser. You can use this similarly to a detergent but make sure you follow the instruction on the bottle carefully.

Question 4

Are resin bound driveways permeable?

Accepted Answer

Yes – resin bound driveways are permeable. When a contractor lays a resin bound driveway, they mix the resin and aggregate (stones) in a forced action mixer. They then trowel this over a prepared concrete or bitmac base. Small gaps between the stones and resin mean that water can pass through, stopping pooling or flooding on your driveway. Having a permeable surface for your driveway is important because as the amount of built-up areas in the UK increases, water doesn’t have anywhere to run off to during heavy rainfall. This has lead to lots of flash flooding and damage to people’s homes. With a permeable surface like a resin bound driveway, water can filter through the sub-base and into the ground. Resin bound driveways, when installed correctly, are SuDS (Sustainable urban Drainage Systems) compliant and contribute to flood prevention. However, resin bound driveways are not to be confused with resin bonded driveways, which aren’t permeable. The resin is spread on the surface on its own, then the aggregate is scattered over the surface, where most of it will stick but some stones may remain loose. Because the resin is laid on as a complete surface, it doesn’t have the tiny holes that a resin bound driveway has, so the water won’t drain. It also means that the surface isn’t frost-resistant, so you might notice that it gets slippery. If you live in a particularly flood-prone area and you’re considering a resin driveway, it’s best to go for a resin bound driveway for its permeable surface. That way you’ll stop flash flooding around your property and contribute to helping the environment.

Question 5

How do I manage drainage for my paving?

Accepted Answer

There is a variety of methods available to ensure that your paving drains properly, for example draining into a lawn or soakaway. Correct drainage of paving is a requirement for planning permission. See our guide on planning permission for paving for more information.

Question 6

What size gravel is best for driveways?

Accepted Answer

It’s up to you what size gravel you use for your driveway, but there are some guidelines that are worth following. If you go too small, your gravel will get displaced easily. But, if you go too big, you driveway might be quite tricky to walk on. Generally, it’s a good idea to go for a gravel size somewhere between 10-20mm.

Question 7

is block paving permeable?

Accepted Answer

Is Block Paving Permeable?Back in 2008, there was a regulation introduced which comes with a requirement guiding the pavement of front gardens. It requires homeowners to incorporate the conventional impermeable driveways which makes for an uncontrolled run off of rainwater into sewers, roadways, local watercourses etc. However since then, new systems have been established which complies with the legislation and permit driveway laying of block paving without requiring planning permission while still providing the same visually appealing features as the conventional systems. Therefore, a short and simple answer to whether block paving is permeable is yes.A permeable paving driveway (unlike the conventional ones which quickly diverts rainwater towards the edges to local drains) purposefully diverts rainwater into the built paving structure which oversees a controlled release of the rainwater into the environment. Permeable block paving comes with a wide range of benefits which includes the following:&bull; No Planning Permission RequiredUnlike the traditional system, permeable block paving requires no planning permission as it oversees the driveway draining by ensuring that the surface water passes directly through the joints which makes sure the drains are not over worked and minimizing the risk of flood.&bull; Puddles Reduction By Natural DrainageA permeable block paving minimizes puddles as well as standing water which helps to boost natural drainage. This is due to the laying process which features little voids that permits the passage of water.&bull; Natural FiltrationA natural filtration occurs when water is allowed to return to the ground by permeable block paving which helps assists in getting rid of any pollutants from the rain water.&bull; Flood PreventionPermeable paving can help to prevent flooding as it absorbs water rather than directing it to the local drains or leaving it to build up on the surface’s top.&bull; Natural & Sustainable MaterialsNatural and recyclable materials can be incorporated in producing permeable paving which is an excellent choice especially if you’re seeking a more sustainable driveway.

Question 8

How long does a resin bound driveway last?

Accepted Answer

Resin bound driveways are a great way to have an attractive-looking gravel driveway without the loose stones to clear up. The clue is in the name – your choice of aggregates (stones) are bound in resin to stop them moving; the surface is still permeable so water can drain away. So how long does a resin bound driveway last? When installed properly, you can expect it to last 25 years or more. But there are some things you need to do to ensure that your resin bound driveway lasts that long: Make sure the contractor uses the right type of resin Your resin bonded driveway will last longer if you choose the right kind of resin. It needs to be a UV-resistant resin so the sun doesn’t damage it, especially if you choose a lighter-coloured paving stone. Darker stones are more UV-resistant, so you might want to consider that too. Think carefully about the size of stone to use You might think that the size of the stones in your driveway doesn’t make a difference, but your resin bound driveway will last longer if you choose a stone of about 6mm to 10mm in size. This is because any bigger will affect the surface water drainage, potentially causing flooding on your property and maybe even damp in your walls. Keep your driveway maintained It’s vital that you keep your resin bound driveway maintained if you want it to last a long time. Make sure you hose it down and sweep it regularly to remove debris and maintain its porosity. When you clean your driveway, the water needs to be soapy, but don’t use chemicals or oils as this could damage the resin. As long as you look after your resin bound driveway, it should last you for decades. Just make sure you get a reputable company to install it for you.

Driveway Installer job	Driveway Installer cost in 2026
Tarmac paving and driveways in Saffron Walden	£709-£40,575
Block paving in Saffron Walden	£1,501-£52,300
Slab Paving and Driveway in Saffron Walden	£938-£51,437
Driveway cleaning in Saffron Walden	£194-£25,699
Gravel paving and driveways in Saffron Walden	£1,501-£52,300
Pattern imprinted driveways in Saffron Walden	£1,876-£52,875
Resin bound driveway in Saffron Walden	£992-£38,675
Driveway repair in Saffron Walden	£607-£51,140
Indian Stone Paving in Saffron Walden	£1,001-£51,900
Pave Driveway in Saffron Walden	£901-£51,550

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