There is a lot of discussion around permeable driveways in the UK. Many people are wondering if they are necessary and if they need to have one installed.

The answer to this question depends on where you live and what type of surface your driveway is made from.

If you live in an area governed by the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) regulations, then your driveway must be permeable.

This means that water can drain through the surface instead of collecting and causing flooding. If your driveway is not permeable, you may need to get planning permission to install one.

If you live in an area that does not have SUDS regulations, it’s still a good idea to install a permeable driveway. This will help keep your property from flooding and will also improve drainage in the surrounding area.

SUDS regulations were introduced in 2013, when schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 came into force. They were designed to reduce flood risk, manage rainfall and control the volume of surface water in urban areas. This helps to improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and ecology, and reduce the pressure on drainage systems.

However, SUDS regulations are not currently mandatory for new developments or planning applications in England. Instead, the only requirement for major developments is that they ‘should incorporate SUDS unless it would be inappropriate to do so’.

In the UK, it’s not currently a legal requirement for driveways that have been converted from front gardens to permeable. However, if you are looking to install or extend a driveway at the front of your property, provided it’s permeable or diverts the rainwater to a border or lawn t drain naturally, then you can do so without planning permission. Permeable surfacing, like gravel, resin-bound or porous concrete block paving, allows water to drain through.

But if the driveway surface is more than five square metres, and you plan to use non-permeable surfacing such as concrete, Tarmac, asphalt or flag paving, then you will need to get planning permission. The only exception here is if provision is made for surface water to run off into a permeable area.

One of the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective ways to create a new driveway is with resin-bound aggregate.

Resin driveways are highly durable, easy to maintain, quick to install and offer a wide range of colours and finishes. They are also extremely hardwearing and long-lasting, giving years of pain-free use.

So, if you’re looking to upgrade or extend your existing driveway or create a new one, then resin is the perfect way to go. Here’s why.

What is a resin driveway?

A resin-bound driveway is a type of permeable surfacing that uses a resin binder to hold together aggregate or crushed stone.

The aggregate is mixed with a resin binder to create a solid surface. This surface can then be sealed and treated with a colour coating to match your home.

This type of driveway is popular in the UK because it allows water to seep through to the soil below, making it an environmentally friendly option. As mentioned above, it also doesn’t require planning permission, making it a popular choice for homeowners.

Resin-bound driveways are generally considered to be more durable and long-lasting than traditional asphalt, Tarmac, concrete or paved driveways.

One of the benefits of resin driveways is that they are SUDS compliant. This means that they allow water to drain through them, rather than forcing it to run off the surface and into drains.

This is important for two reasons. First, it helps to prevent flooding; and second, it prevents pollutants from entering our waterways.

Resin driveways also require less maintenance than traditional driveways. They don’t need to be resealed or treated every year, and they are resistant to staining and fading.

Resin driveways are a popular surface for driveways and parking areas. They are durable and long-lasting, meaning they will not need to be replaced or resealed frequently.

In addition, they are resistant to most common chemicals, which means that they won’t stain and can be easily cleaned if necessary. They also won’t fade, discolour or get damaged by the weather. This ensures they maintain a consistent look, which will not change over time, so they will never lose their elegant appearance as they age. They are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, so you can find one that will suit your home’s style. 

Resin driveways are slip resistant, which helps to eliminate the risk of accidents and keep the safety of people and vehicles in mind. This is an important feature, especially for the elderly and young children.

Finally, resin driveways add value to your home, which makes them a great investment as an  attractive and practical choice for homeowners.

Specialist resin-bound driveway solutions from Buffalo Driveways

Buffalo Driveways is a specialist supplier and installer of resin-bound surfacing, which can be used to create high-quality permeable driveways, pathways and patios.

We also offer expert, hands-on advice on designing and planning your new resin driveway, so you can achieve the look you want.

To find out more about how we can enhance your home with a new resin driveway, give us a call today.