Widening your driveway can dramatically improve kerb appeal, increase parking space, and make everyday life a little easier, especially if you live in a busy area of Stoke, Cheshire or Shropshire where parking is at a premium.
But before you start digging up your lawn or laying new surfacing, it’s important to understand the planning rules around driveways in the UK.
The big question many homeowners ask is: do I need permission to widen my driveway? The short answer is: sometimes – but not always.
When you don’t need permission to widen your driveway
In many cases, widening a driveway can be carried out as permitted development, meaning you do not need to apply for planning permission, as long as certain conditions are met.
The most common exemption applies when:
- The new driveway surface is permeable, meaning water can drain through it rather than run off into the road.
- You use materials like resin bound, gravel or permeable block paving.
- The work does not significantly alter the character of your property or involve major structures like walls or fences over a certain height.
Permeable surfaces are important because they help manage rainwater runoff and reduce flooding risk. This means driveways in
Stoke,
Cheshire, and
Shropshire that let water soak into the ground are more likely to fall under permitted development rights.
When permission to widen your driveway is required
There are situations where you do need planning permission to widen your driveway:
- Non-permeable surfacing
If you choose tarmac, concrete, or any surface that prevents water drainage, you will likely need planning permission before making the change.
- Protected land
Properties that fall within conservation areas, national parks or other protected zones may require planning consent, even for permeable surfacing. Always check with your local planning office if you’re unsure whether your property is affected.
- Front boundary walls or dropped kerbs
If you need to lower the kerb to create vehicle access, this often requires permission from your local council (not just planning permission). The council will need to approve the kerb drop and may charge a fee. If you need advice about dropping a kerb, speak to Premier Surfacing – we can help.
Widening your driveway: other considerations
Even if your driveway doesn’t need planning permission, it still must comply with Highways Act requirements. This means ensuring that water does not run off onto the public road and your access meets safety standards.
It’s also worth notifying your neighbours and checking for any covenants on your property deeds that might restrict changes to your frontage.
Need help planning your driveway?
Widening your driveway in Stoke, Cheshire, or Shropshire can be straightforward – as long as you understand the rules first.
If you’re unsure whether your driveway project needs planning permission or want expert advice on materials and installation, get in touch with our team at Premier Surfacing.
We’re surfacing specialists based in Market Drayton, working across Shropshire, Cheshire, and Stoke-on-Trent. We’ll help you navigate the regulations and create a driveway that’s practical, compliant and built to last.
