Understanding Driveway Planning Permission in Hampshire
If you're planning a new driveway in Hampshire, one of the first questions you'll ask is: "Do I need planning permission?" The answer depends on the materials you choose and the size of your driveway. This comprehensive guide explains everything Hampshire homeowners need to know in 2026.
The Simple Answer
You do NOT need planning permission if:
- You use permeable materials (resin bound, gravel, permeable block paving) - any size allowed
- Your driveway is under 5 square metres - any material allowed
- You direct rainwater to a permeable area within your property boundary
You DO need planning permission if:
- Using impermeable materials (concrete, standard tarmac, non-permeable paving) over 5m²
- Your property is a listed building or in a conservation area
- Connecting directly to a classified road without proper drainage
What Are SUDS Regulations?
SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. Introduced in 2008, these regulations were designed to prevent flooding by ensuring that rainwater from driveways drains naturally into the ground rather than overwhelming street drains.
For driveways over 5m² in Hampshire, you must either:
- Use permeable surfacing materials, OR
- Install drainage systems that direct water to a soakaway within your property
If you don't meet SUDS requirements and use impermeable materials over 5m², you'll need to apply for planning permission, which costs £262 and takes 8-12 weeks to process.
Resin Driveways: The Smart Choice for Hampshire Homeowners
Resin bound driveways are increasingly popular in Hampshire because they're automatically SUDS compliant. Here's why they're the smart choice:
Planning Benefits:
- No planning permission required - any size
- Save £262 in application fees
- No 8-12 week wait for approval
- 100% legal and compliant with all UK regulations
Practical Benefits:
- 20+ year lifespan with UV-stable resin
- Zero maintenance - no weeds, no cracks
- Smooth surface - wheelchair and pushchair friendly
- Prevents flooding - natural drainage protects your property
- Multiple colours available to match your home
Hampshire-Specific Planning Rules
In Hampshire - including Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, and Havant - the same UK-wide regulations apply. However, there are some local considerations:
Conservation Areas
If your property is in a conservation area (common in Winchester, Old Portsmouth, and parts of Southampton), additional restrictions may apply. Even with permeable materials, you may need to submit plans to your local planning authority to ensure the driveway is "in keeping with the character of the area."
Listed Buildings
Hampshire has over 20,000 listed buildings. If yours is one of them, you'll need Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission, even for permeable driveways.
Dropped Kerbs
Regardless of your driveway material, if you need to drop a kerb to access your property from a public road, you must apply separately to Hampshire County Council Highways department. This is different from planning permission and costs around £1,000-£2,500 depending on your location.
Comparing Your Options: Planning Permission Requirements
| Material Type | Under 5m² | Over 5m² | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin Bound | ✓ No permission | ✓ No permission | £60-120/m² |
| Gravel | ✓ No permission | ✓ No permission | £40-60/m² + maintenance |
| Permeable Block Paving | ✓ No permission | ✓ No permission | £70-100/m² |
| Concrete | ✓ No permission | ✗ Permission required | £50-80/m² + £262 + drainage |
| Tarmac/Asphalt | ✓ No permission | ✗ Permission required | £40-70/m² + £262 + drainage |
| Standard Block Paving | ✓ No permission | ✗ Permission required | £50-90/m² + £262 + drainage |
Common Questions from Hampshire Homeowners
Q: How do I know if my driveway is over 5 square metres?
A: 5m² is roughly 2.2m x 2.2m - about the size of a small car parking space. Most driveways are significantly larger. A typical single driveway is 15-25m², and a double driveway is 30-50m².
Q: Can I install a resin driveway over my existing concrete?
A: Yes, if your existing base is sound and level. However, to maintain SUDS compliance and avoid planning permission, we need to ensure proper drainage through appropriate sub-base preparation. We assess this during your free site survey.
Q: What if I want to extend my existing driveway?
A: Extensions follow the same rules. If you're adding more than 5m² of impermeable surface, you'll need planning permission. Using permeable materials for your extension avoids this requirement entirely.
Q: Do I need planning permission in a conservation area?
A: It depends. While SUDS regulations still apply, conservation areas have additional aesthetic requirements. We recommend contacting your local planning authority (Southampton City Council, Winchester City Council, etc.) for specific guidance. We're happy to help with this process.
Q: What about dropped kerbs?
A: Dropped kerbs require separate permission from Hampshire County Council Highways department, regardless of your driveway material. We can guide you through this application process.
Q: How quickly can I start if I don't need planning permission?
A: With resin driveways, since no planning permission is needed, we can typically start within 1-2 weeks of your quote acceptance, subject to our schedule and suitable weather conditions.
The True Cost of Planning Permission
Beyond the £262 application fee, planning permission adds hidden costs:
- Time: 8-12 weeks minimum wait for decision
- Professional fees: Many homeowners pay £300-£500 for help with applications
- Drainage systems: Additional £500-£2,000 for soakaways or drainage channels
- Risk: Applications can be rejected, requiring redesign and resubmission
- Delay: Miss out on seasonal pricing and availability
With a SUDS compliant resin driveway, you avoid all of these costs and complications entirely.
Why Hampshire Homeowners Choose Us
We specialize in SUDS compliant resin driveway installation across Hampshire. Here's what sets us apart:
- Planning expertise: We understand all Hampshire council requirements and can advise on your specific situation
- Free planning advice: We check your property requirements during your free site survey
- SUDS compliance guaranteed: Every installation meets all drainage regulations
- 10-year guarantee: Comprehensive warranty on installation and compliance
- Transparent pricing: £60-120/m² with no hidden costs
- Professional team: 10+ years experience across Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, and beyond
Common Questions About Planning Permission (People Also Ask)
Do you need planning permission for a resin driveway?
No. Resin driveways are permeable and SUDS compliant, so they do not require planning permission in Hampshire regardless of size.
How big can a driveway be without planning permission?
Unlimited if using permeable materials. Only 5m² if using impermeable materials like concrete or tarmac.
What happens if I don't get planning permission?
Installing an impermeable driveway over 5m² without permission can result in enforcement action from your local council, requiring removal or retrospective permission (which may be denied).
Can I pave my front garden without planning permission?
Yes, if using permeable materials or keeping the paved area under 5m². Larger impermeable areas require planning permission.
Is gravel planning permission exempt?
Yes. Gravel is permeable and does not require planning permission regardless of size.
Ready to Start Your Driveway Project?
Don't let planning permission worries delay your new driveway. A SUDS compliant resin driveway lets you start immediately - legally, professionally, and hassle-free.
Contact us today for:
- Free site survey and planning assessment
- No-obligation quote with full compliance details
- Expert advice on your specific property
- Professional installation backed by our 10-year guarantee
Serving All of Hampshire
Expert Guidance: This guide is written by professional driveway installers with 10+ years of experience serving Hampshire. We specialize in SUDS compliant resin installations and provide free planning permission advice for all Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, and surrounding area projects.
Professional SUDS compliant resin driveway installation throughout Hampshire including Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Andover, Farnborough, Aldershot, and all surrounding areas.