SuDS Law Made Simple: Do You Need Planning Permission for a New Driveway in 2025?

What is SuDS and why does it matter?

SuDS stands for Sustainable Drainage Systems. The goal is simple: help rainwater soak away naturally rather than flooding streets and sewers. Surfaces that allow water to drain through—like resin bound laid on a suitable base or permeable concrete—are SuDS‑friendly. Impermeable surfaces (solid concrete or tight tarmac without drainage) push water elsewhere and can trigger permission requirements.

In practice, SuDS affects two things:

• Whether you need planning permission

• Whether your driveway stays free of puddles and winter ice sheets

When you usually don’t need planning permission

• You choose a permeable surface (resin bound, permeable concrete, or permeable block systems).

• Runoff is not directed to the road or onto neighbouring land.

• Any new hard surface on the front garden is designed so water drains into the ground within your property (e.g., via permeable surface, a soakaway, or French drain).

Resin bound is one of the easiest paths to compliance: the surface itself is permeable, looks premium, resists weeds, and needs very little maintenance.

When you may need permission or extra drainage design

• You propose an impermeable surface (traditional concrete or tarmac) with runoff toward the highway.

• The site has unusual ground conditions (very heavy clay with nowhere for water to go).

• You want significant level changes, walls, or works around a listed building or in a conservation area.

• Large commercial or multi‑unit projects—different rules apply.

If we spot any of these during survey, we’ll map out the simplest compliant fix: local soakaway, channel drain to a permeable zone, or switching to a permeable system.

Resin bound vs. other “permeable” options

• Resin bound

  • Seamless, contemporary look; dozens of stone blends

  • Permeable surface, anti‑slip, low maintenance

  • Often installable as an overlay on sound concrete/tarmac = 50–80 GBP/m², 1‑day fit

• Permeable concrete

  • Robust, drains through the slab

  • Excellent as a long‑life base where the existing one is failing

  • Can be finished with resin now or later

• Permeable block paving

  • Works well when designed correctly, but joint upkeep and longer build make it pricier and fussier than a resin overlay for many homes

The 7‑minute homeowner checklist

Use this before you plan works (we’ll verify everything on site):

1. Which surface? Choose a permeable system to simplify compliance.

2. Existing base sound? If yes, ask about a resin overlay to save time and money.

3. Where does water go? Ensure falls direct water to permeable zones, not the road.

4. Edging and boundaries? Define crisp edges to contain the surface.

5. Driveway use? Number of vehicles, occasional van—affects layer thickness.

6. Access routes? Check clear paths for materials and mixing.

7. Local constraints? Conservation areas/listed buildings may add steps—ask us.

Costs: honest ranges for 2025

For a suitable overlay on sound concrete or tarmac:

• Typical price: 50–80 GBP/m²

• Many domestic driveways complete in one day

• Itemised quote after survey (repairs, edging, colour blend, access)

If the base is unsuitable, our permeable concrete solution creates a long‑life, SuDS‑friendly foundation that outperforms tarmac on heat and rutting—then you can add resin for a premium finish.

Design: make SuDS beautiful

• Colour palettes: warm ambers, cool granites, sleek charcoals

• Feature borders: subtle contrast bands to frame entrances

• Gentle falls: designed for both drainage and comfort

• Accessibility: graded anti‑slip for slopes and mobility

Bring a photo of your frontage; we’ll match blends and borders in natural light during your survey.

Installation—what to expect with Perm‑Drive

1. Free on‑site survey and drainage assessment

2. Same‑day or next‑day written quote

3. Prep: clean, key, local repairs; install edges

4. Lay resin bound (18–24 mm typical) with continuous mixing and trowelling

5. Fast cure: walk on in hours; cars usually 24–48 h

6. Handover: care guide + 20‑year written workmanship guarantee

Our prep‑first approach delivers longevity and that sharp, seamless finish people notice from the kerb.

FAQs

• Do permeable driveways really need no permission?
  Often no—when installed to SuDS best practice. We confirm specifics on your property.

• Will resin stay non‑slip?
  Yes, resin bound has excellent skid resistance to spec; we can add extra grip on slopes.

• Can you fix minor base cracks first?
  Absolutely. We repair and bridge hairline issues; structural movement requires a base solution.

• How do I maintain it?
  Light jet‑wash and soft brushing. Remove stains quickly. Avoid metal‑edged shovels.

Limited‑time offer—save more and keep it compliant

Book your free survey before 31 December to secure up to 20% off 2025 installation dates. We’ll check SuDS compliance, confirm if a budget‑friendly overlay will work, and give you a fixed, written quote.

• Call/WhatsApp: 0161 399 0875

• 60‑second form: https://perm-drive.co.uk/#quote

Upgrade the smart way—premium look, SuDS‑friendly performance, minimal disruption.

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