Paving regulations

[r44flyer]

Hello all,

I have read that the new (2008) planning regulations for permeable paving apply to areas over 5sqm and to new or replacement works. But what about additions?

I currently have two wheels tracks formed of paving slabs which have been there forever. We want to get a second car on the drive and plan to lay block edged gravel in the spring. As a temporary measure til then, I want to add two tracks of slabs outside the current ones, which would give a total of more than 5sqm of slabs.

Is this a loophole that allows me to lay new alongside old with the 5sqm rule applying only to the new material or am I going to get a council jobsworth banging my door down?

Thanks
Jim

[Tony McC]

Nope - as the law stands at the moment, any addition, amendment or replacement of an existing driveway to the front of the house has to abide by the regulations.....assuming they are enforced in your area.

[r44flyer]

Fair enough. Thanks Tony.

[Bob_A]

Are we talking about modest size tracks, If so I'd go ahead and do it.
From what I can gather Building Officers have enough to do then worry about a couple of tracks.
The worst they can do is get you to take it up.

[r44flyer]

Yes, 2 new tracks of a car length each.

[DNgroundworks]

Doubtful of it being enforced anywhere, i haven't heard of any non compliant installations having to be re-done.

[r44flyer]

I can imagine it only happens in the case of the vindictive neighbour!

However, I am just now looking at these plastic grass paving grids as an alternative, sinking two tracks into the lawn for the time being. I like the idea of using them with gravel (gravel being the eventual plan anyway) to stop it moving about and down the very slight slope to the drive, and they wouldn't be wasted. If I got slabs they'd probably be dumped when I did the drive properly. The price of the grids is not that much more than slabs.

[Tony McC]

Those plastic paving grids you mention - more commonly known as Ground Reinforcement Paving

[r44flyer]

Those plastic paving grids you mention - more commonly known as Ground Reinforcement Paving

Thanks Tony!