Front garden planning basics
In many cases a permeable surface or drainage to a suitable soakaway avoids formal planning permission, but the details matter. This guide captures the risk early so the case is not treated like a simple paving enquiry.
Guidance snapshot
When a front driveway needs highway permission before vehicles can legally cross the pavement.
A dropped kerb is usually handled by the local highway authority or an approved contractor. The driveway surface and kerb process are related, but they are not always delivered by the same supplier.
Good fit when
- Front garden conversions
- Adding a new vehicle access
- Widening an existing driveway entrance
Watch-outs
- Do not assume a paving contractor can start before kerb approval
- Some roads, trees, utilities, or parking controls can block approval
Questions to ask suppliers
- Is there already a dropped kerb?
- Have you applied to the council yet?
- Is there a tree, lamp post, or utility cover near the proposed access?
Related guidance
Turn this into a project brief
Ready to move forward? Start your brief and include this guidance context so contractors can quote with the right assumptions.