Homeowners who have a driveway may be hit with hefty bills
Homeowners with driveways could be hit with bills of up to £1,000, according to experts.
Home improvement quote platform whatcost has helpfully set out a series of UK driveway regulations that must be adhered to.
A number of these rules concern driveway drainage, with provisions in place to tackle flooding and control surface water runoff in built-up areas.
These regulations specify that any driveway exceeding 5m2 must feature a drainage system, though exemptions exist if permeable driveway materials are used.
The expense can differ based on your driveway’s dimensions, your location, and the drain type you select, with whatcost indicating costs could climb to £1,000. According to UK driveway drainage regulations, drainage systems ought to be fitted at the foot of your driveway to assist with water runoff.
Without adequate drainage systems, torrential downpours can inflict substantial damage to your property through water accumulation.
As well as this, impermeable driveway materials such as asphalt or tarmac can soak up pollutants from your vehicle, which can subsequently seep into water systems during heavy rainfall.
Failing to have a drainage system can also damage the environment, impacting rivers and lakes.
Consequently, adhering to driveway drainage regulations and fitting a drainage system helps avert 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.
This has driven a surge in demand for permeable driveways, which not only help combat flooding but also remove the requirement for planning permission.
Permeable driveway options include gravel driveways, permeable block pavers, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, porous asphalt, and resin-bound paving.
Gravel driveways represent the most budget-friendly permeable solution, according to whatcost.