Is a resin-bound driveway automatically permeable?

No. Resin bound can be part of a permeable driveway, but only when the whole build-up, including the sub-base, is designed to drain. Resin bound laid over an impermeable base is not a permeable system.

Do all front-garden driveways over five square metres need planning permission?

No. Planning Portal says that a front-garden driveway of any size generally does not need planning permission when it uses permeable surfacing or directs rainwater to a lawn or border. The general trigger applies to traditional impermeable surfacing over five square metres that does not provide for water to drain to a permeable area.

Is this a planning decision for my property?

No. This page explains general England guidance only. Local restrictions, property type, dropped-kerb work and other frontage changes can involve separate rules, so check with the local planning authority if you are unsure.

Driveway Advice

Do I need a permeable driveway in Portsmouth?

A permeable driveway is designed so rainwater drains through the surface and sub-base instead of running towards the road or a neighbouring property. For a front garden in England, Planning Portal says a new or replacement driveway of any size generally does not need planning permission when it uses permeable surfacing or directs rainwater to a lawn or border; an impermeable surface over five square metres that drains to the highway generally does. The right answer for a particular Portsmouth property depends on the full drainage design and any local restrictions, so this is general guidance rather than a site-specific ruling.

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What makes a driveway permeable

Permeability is not just a top-surface choice. A genuinely permeable driveway uses a surface and sub-base combination that lets water enter the ground or a storage layer beneath, rather than simply sheeting across the surface. A resin-bound finish can be part of that system when it is laid over a drainage-designed sub-base; the same finish over an impermeable base is not a permeable driveway.

The general front-garden planning rule in England

Planning Portal's guidance says that a new or replacement front-garden driveway of any size generally does not need planning permission if it uses permeable or porous surfacing, or if rainwater is directed to a lawn or border where it can drain naturally. It also says that planning permission is generally needed where more than five square metres of traditional impermeable surfacing is laid and water is not directed to a permeable area. This general rule applies in England, but it is not a substitute for checking a particular property.

Why the sub-base and falls matter

The part beneath the visible finish does two jobs: it supports vehicle loading and manages water. A correctly designed sub-base and sensible drainage falls reduce the chance that water is directed towards the house, highway or a neighbour. That is why a useful quote should explain the proposed surface, base preparation and where surface water will go, rather than describing the finish alone.

Questions to settle before work starts

First establish whether the existing base is genuinely sound or needs rebuilding. Then ask how the proposed build-up will drain, whether water is being directed to a lawn, border or another drainage feature, and whether any separate work such as a dropped kerb, wall, gate or local restriction needs checking. Planning Portal notes these can involve separate rules, and suggests contacting the local planning authority when in doubt.

A practical drainage checklist

Ask for the proposed surface and sub-base build-up in writing.
Ask exactly where rainwater will go when the drive is complete.
Check whether the front-garden area is more than five square metres if the proposal is impermeable.
Check for property-specific restrictions and any separate dropped-kerb or frontage requirements.
Confirm the position with the local planning authority if there is any doubt.

How common driveway drainage approaches differ
Approach	How water is managed	What to confirm
Permeable resin-bound build-up	Water is intended to pass through the surface and drainage-designed sub-base	That both the surface and base are specified as permeable
Open-jointed permeable block paving	Water enters through joints into the sub-base	Joint, bedding and sub-base design are part of the drainage system
Impermeable surface draining to a lawn or border	The surface is sealed, but water is directed to a permeable area	Where water will discharge and whether the receiving area is suitable
Impermeable surface draining to the highway	Water runs off the drive towards the road	Whether the front-garden area exceeds five square metres and what permission may be needed

Frequently asked questions

Is a resin-bound driveway automatically permeable?: No. Resin bound can be part of a permeable driveway, but only when the whole build-up, including the sub-base, is designed to drain. Resin bound laid over an impermeable base is not a permeable system.
Do all front-garden driveways over five square metres need planning permission?: No. Planning Portal says that a front-garden driveway of any size generally does not need planning permission when it uses permeable surfacing or directs rainwater to a lawn or border. The general trigger applies to traditional impermeable surfacing over five square metres that does not provide for water to drain to a permeable area.
Is this a planning decision for my property?: No. This page explains general England guidance only. Local restrictions, property type, dropped-kerb work and other frontage changes can involve separate rules, so check with the local planning authority if you are unsure.