Homeowners with driveways could be hit with bills of up to £1,000, according to experts. Home improvement quote website whatcost has helpfully laid out a number of UK driveway regulations that must be adhered to.
Several of these rules concern driveway drainage, with measures in place to tackle flooding and manage surface water runoff in urban areas. These regulations stipulate that any driveway larger than 5m2 must have a drainage system, though exceptions apply if permeable driveway materials are used.
The cost can differ depending on the size of your driveway, your location, and the type of drain you opt for, with whatcost suggesting prices could climb to as much as £1,000. In line with UK driveway drainage regulations, drainage systems should be fitted at the base of your driveway to assist with water runoff.
Without adequate drainage systems, heavy downpours can cause considerable damage to your property as a result of water build-up. Furthermore, impermeable driveway materials such as asphalt or tarmac can soak up pollutants from your vehicle, which can then seep into water systems during heavy rain.
Failing to install a drainage system can also prove harmful to the environment, impacting rivers and lakes. As such, complying with driveway drainage regulations and fitting a drainage system helps prevent pollution and safeguard the local environment. According to GOV.UK, urban areas have been battling severe flooding problems since 2007, largely owing to insufficient drainage infrastructure.
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This has fuelled a growing demand for permeable driveways, which not only help combat flooding but also eliminate the requirement for planning permission, reports Devon Live. Permeable driveway options include gravel driveways, permeable block pavers, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, porous asphalt, and resin-bound paving.
Whatcost reports that gravel driveways remain the most budget-friendly permeable solution available.