I'll remove some of the gravel. Does the void under the render need addressed?
Yeah there is, slope down into the gravel strip. Garden clears up quickly with no standing water when it rains.
I moved into a new build (built September 2022) and have noticed recently that there is a section of the external wall rendering that is damp after heavy rain. I have confirmed it is indeed rainwater from surface and not a leaking gutter, or window sill water fall by aiming a hose at the gravel...