Explaining new driveway regulations

An easy to follow guide that explains the planning law changes for new and refurbished driveways is now available from water management specialist, ACO Technologies.

Clearly setting out the design options for the sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) that are now required, the guide also highlights the key features of a new range of SUDS systems that ACO has developed for driveway applications – systems that avoid the expense and time delays of having to apply for full planning permission.

The new regulations have been introduced as part of the Government’s strategy to reduce flood risk. Enforcing the use of sustainable drainage systems will lower the volume of surface water run-off from driveways, preventing the main sewer system from overloading during heavy storms or periods of prolonged rainfall – a particular problem in urban areas.

“In the past, paving front gardens was a permitted development right that did not require planning permission. This has now changed and full permission is required for a new or refurbished area over 5m2 unless a porous surface or a sustainable drainage system is installed,” says Peter Ridgway, Market Development Director at ACO Technologies. “Our new guide to driveway planning clearly explains the new requirements and provides details of ACO’s range of versatile drainage packages that can be configured to any size area and to any conditions imposed by local planning authorities.”

ACO GroundGuard is an award winning ground reinforcement system that meets the requirements for porous paving. Recognised by the Association of Professional Landscapers, its open ‘honeycomb’ structure allows it to be seeded with grass or back-filled with gravel to create high load bearing areas of any size that blend in perfectly with their surroundings and, critically, allow rainwater to penetrate through to the soil below.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) that capture and return run-off from traditional, impermeable paved surfaces directly to ground can be constructed using a combination of ACO surface water drainage channels and the new ACO StormTank attenuation and infiltration system. Depending on the size and Load Class requirements of the paved area, the channel/StormTank network can be designed to hold and safely return stormwater to the water table in a secure location at any rate specified by planning authorities.

For a copy of ACO’s guide, ‘The new planning regulations and your drive’, contact ACO Technologies directly on (01462) 816666, visit www.aco.co.uk or speak to your local ACO technical sales representative.