Driveway drainage
Since 2008, paving more than 5m² of front garden with an impermeable surface that drains to the road needs planning permission.
Since 2008, paving more than 5m² of front garden with an impermeable surface that drains to the road needs planning permission. A permeable surface, or water directed to a soakaway, border or lawn on your own land, generally does not. On the clay around Oakham, Langham and Market Harborough the drainage has to be designed, not assumed.
- Planning rule
- Permeable, or drains to your own land
- Soakaways
- Need ground that absorbs water
- Foul sewer
- Never connected
Our 2026 guide prices where shown. Your fixed price comes in writing after the site visit.
Three ways to drain a drive
A permeable surface, such as resin bound or permeable block, on an open-graded base that lets rain soak through. A conventional surface laid to falls, with channel drains feeding a soakaway or crate system. Or falls towards a lawn or planted border that can take the water.
Which one works depends on the ground. Limestone around Stamford, Ketton and Greetham usually takes a soakaway; the Vale of Catmose clay and the mudstones around Market Harborough often do not, so we test the ground before choosing.
Where water must not go
Surface water from a drive cannot go into the foul sewer, and it should not run onto the road or the footway. Where a public sewer is involved, Anglian Water's rules apply.
The kind of finish we build
“Really pleased with my new driveway. Beautifully finished, friendly professional workmen, would definitely recommend and will be using them again for the garden once other renovations complete.”
Driveway — Google review
“Absolutely great guys, job was done in good time and looks brilliant. No complaints, the driveway is immaculate. More work in the near future, thanks again!”
Driveway — Google review
Things people ask us
How much does driveway drainage cost?
Is resin bound really permeable?
Request a site visit
We measure up, check levels and drainage, and send a written proposal with the build-up, the programme and one whole price. No pressure and no follow-up sales calls.