diy'ers beware!

[noseall]

i had a brief meeting with my architect today, and he always updates me upon relevant changes to building regulations, planning stuff, local authority quirks and idiosyncrasies etc, etc.

he tells me that hard paving (i.e. that of a non porous nature ) may become subject to a PLANNING APPLICATION.

it is all to do with surface water drainage and the fact that, due to an awful lot of people are paving their front lawns in order to gain more off road parking space, it is overwhelming the storm drainage system.

those with an opportunity to self drain, i.e. soakaways within your own property, then you will be ok.

those houses built on clay watch this space.

 

[Nige F]

i had a brief meeting
those with an opportunity to self drain, watch this space.

Luckily I drained myself this morning , early

 

[JohnD]

self-filling goldfish pond (with a designed slow leak)

 

[^woody^]

Yes this is part of a recent strategy document proposed by the Dept of the Environment (DEFRA).

It is proposed to alter permitted development rights so that unless permeable materials are used, then a formal application will be required for front hard-standings. It is intended to put the legislation in place later this year - so its not a possibility it seems it will happen.

In practical terms, more bureaucracy, and the technical phrase is "what a load of bullox"

As if people are really going to apply for permission to block pave their drive and lay a few slabs around the flower bed? I bet the ****** will up their prices now to allow for the planning fee.

The document also outlines proposals to change every property to a water meter rather than charges based on the old rating system.

Lots of other measures related to dealing with water drainage and supply too.

A knee-jerk reaction to a bit of rain we had last summer?

 

[Thermo]

yep and its all heaped on the public, whilst local authorities give permission to build on flood planes and do nothing about flood defences!