Do I need planning permission for a driveway?
A new or replacement front driveway is permitted development in England if it lets rainwater soak away. Crossing the pavement needs the council's highways consent.
Check your own driveway or dropped kerb in about 20 seconds: we look up your postcode's official conservation area and Article 4 data and apply these rules to your home.
These are the rules for houses in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own, similar but different. Flats and maisonettes have no householder permitted development rights.
Usually no planning permission needed if
- The new surface is permeable (gravel, porous block paving, permeable asphalt), or water runs to a lawn or border on your own land.
- Under 5 square metres of front garden is covered.
You need planning permission if
- Over 5 square metres of front garden is covered with a surface that sends water to the road or drains.
- Your home is a flat or maisonette: flats have no householder permitted development rights.
- The house is listed, or in some conservation areas.
- Your permitted development rights were removed by a planning condition or an Article 4 direction (ask the council, or check the planning history of your home).
Building regulations
No.
Planning permission and building regulations are separate: a project can need one, both or neither.
Also think about
- A dropped kerb always needs the council's highways team; on a classified road it may also need planning permission.
- Gullies and drainage: don't connect surface water to the foul drain.
Questions people ask
Is block paving permeable?
Standard block paving is not, but permeable block paving (with gaps filled with grit) is. Normal paving can still be fine if water runs to a lawn or border on your land.
Ready for quotes?
Post the job once, free. Up to three local trades text or ring you back, usually within a few hours, and can tell you what your project needs on site.
Post the job freeRelated guides
General guidance from LocalWins, last checked October 2026. It is not legal advice or a planning decision, and every home is different: confirm anything important with your council or a qualified professional.