Well looks like another money making scheme for the Government , just received an email from Screwfix with the above subject , thought it was some joke until I looked into it, ok I suppose what there saying probably has a hint of truth in it, in which case shouldn't they stop allowing large areas of flood plains from being built on and large areas for carparks etc with the new superstores being developed. Oh well 10 days to sort out our front drive.
"From 1 October 2008 the permitted development rights that allow
householders to pave their front garden for hardstanding without planning permission
have changed. Planning permission is now required to lay traditional impermeable
driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from front gardens onto roads,
because this can contribute to flooding and pollution of watercourses.
If a new driveway or parking area is constructed using permeable surfaces such as
permeable concrete block paving, porous asphalt or gravel, or if the water is otherwise
able to soak into the ground you will not require planning permission. The new rules will
also apply where existing hardstandings are being replaced. The new rules apply to hard
surfaces exceeding 5 square metres in area.
Applying for planning permission will require you to fill in an application form, draw plans
(which have to be to scale) and pay a fee of £150. Planning applications for this type of
householder development should normally be decided within 8 weeks after submission."
Text From
www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/pavingfrontgardens.pdf