Sustainable driveways
The increased amount of water drained from developed areas is having a huge impact on Britain's river catchments. As developments intensify, less water filters through the soil, leading to an increased risk of flooding and a threat to water quality.
These issues could worsen as the climate continues to fluctuate, putting drainage and water management firmly under the legislative spotlight.
In England and Wales sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) have been mandatory since October 2008 for all new or replacement paved areas to the front of properties larger than 5m².
A guide to designing your driveway or patio to meet rainwater management legislation:
Option 1 - Permeable paving, porous asphalt or gravel (no planning permission required)
Permeable paving is a new generation of block paving that offers the perfect SUDS solution. Surface water drains between the blocks into a sub-base, which can then be collected for recycling or allowed to drain slowly into the underlying soil as it would in a natural environment. Permeable paving is unique in its ability to filter out up to 95% of pollutants typically carried by surface water runoff, so regardless of its application, the environment benefits. There is no special maintenance required and there are no drain points to become blocked, so you can enjoy an almost fail-safe solution to surface water runoff.
Option 2 – Impermeable solutions with soakaways
Install a standard paving product but ensure the design includes sustainable drainage slopes and channels, directing water towards an effective soakaway or area of the garden that allows the water to drain.
Option 3 – Impermeable solutions without soakaways (planning permission required)
This is the least sustainable option and may contribute towards a build-up of rainwater on your property during heavy rain.
