Driveway planning permission and dropped kerbs in Sale & Trafford
The 5 m² front garden rule, how permeable surfaces avoid it, and when you need a dropped kerb from your council. A plain-English guide for homeowners in England.
Two different things catch people out when they plan a new drive: planning permission for the surface, and permission for the dropped kerb if you cross a pavement or verge. They are separate, so check both. This page is general guidance for homes in England, not legal advice. Your council or the Planning Portal has the final word for your address.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
For a house in England, you normally do not need planning permission if the new or replaced surface in your front garden is permeable, or if rainwater drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within your property. You do normally need permission if you pave more than 5 m² with a traditional impermeable surface (standard tarmac, concrete or standard block paving) and the water runs off onto the road or drain.
The rule is there to reduce surface-water flooding. It is easy to design for at the start, and it is one reason resin-bound and permeable block paving are popular on front drives.
Surfaces and the 5 m² rule
| Surface | Permitted without planning? |
|---|---|
| Resin-bound on a permeable base | Normally yes, because water drains through it |
| Permeable block paving | Normally yes, on an open-graded base |
| Standard block paving | Over 5 m², only if water drains to a lawn, border or soakaway on your property |
| Tarmac (standard) | Over 5 m², only if water drains to a lawn, border or soakaway on your property |
Resin laid over old sealed tarmac or concrete may not be permeable in practice, because the water runs off the top. See driveway drainage for how we handle falls, channel drains and soakaways.
When the normal rules may not apply
- Flats and maisonettes do not have the same permitted development rights as houses.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas can have extra controls. Parts of Bowdon, Hale, Ashton upon Mersey, Chorlton and Didsbury have conservation areas.
- Article 4 directions and planning conditions on some estates remove permitted development rights. Check your deeds and your council's planning pages.
Dropped kerbs: when you need one
If your drive crosses a public pavement or grass verge, you need a dropped kerb (a vehicle crossover). You must apply to the highway authority, which is your council, and you cannot just lower the kerb yourself. Using the crossing without permission can damage services under the pavement and can lead to enforcement.
- Trafford (Sale, Altrincham, Timperley, Hale, Bowdon, Stretford, Urmston): apply through Trafford Council's online dropped kerb service. At the time of writing it asks for an assessment deposit of about £60, deducted from the cost if the council does the work. The council may also require planning permission for the crossing, for example on a classified road.
- Manchester City Council (Chorlton, Didsbury, Wythenshawe) and Stockport Council each have their own application and fees.
The crossing itself must be built to the council's specification by the council or an approved, insured contractor. It is a separate cost from the driveway surface. See our driveway costs guide.
How we help
When we visit, we tell you honestly whether your plan is likely to need permission, and design the surface and drainage to keep you inside the rules where we can. Call 07890 053070 or use the free quote form. Always confirm the position for your own property with your council or the Planning Portal.
Common questions
Do I need planning permission to replace my driveway?
If you replace it with the same kind of surface, usually not. If you pave more than 5 m² of front garden with an impermeable surface that drains onto the road, you normally do. A permeable surface, or drainage to a lawn, border or soakaway, normally avoids this.
Is resin-bound permitted development?
Resin-bound is permeable when it sits on a permeable base, so it normally falls within the permitted development rules for front gardens. Laid over old sealed tarmac, check the drainage first.
Do I need a dropped kerb for a new driveway?
Yes, if the drive crosses a pavement or verge. You apply to your council. Trafford, Manchester and Stockport each run their own process and fees.
Who applies for the dropped kerb?
The homeowner applies to the council. We can explain the process and what the council usually asks for when we visit.
More answers on our driveway FAQs page.
Not sure if your drive needs permission?
Send us a photo on WhatsApp or call. We will tell you honestly what is likely to be needed before you commit.
