Hi,
I live in a cul de sac and have a drive (currently gravelled) of approx. 25sqM. There are 20odd houses in the street, only 6 were built with a concrete drive, the rest originated as front gardens - approx 6 have been converted to driveways and only 2 of them are CBP - the rest being gravel.
I've checked planning webpages and if I understand correctly; you need planning permission for block paving a drive over 5sqM if the water is not directed to a natural soak-away and to the sewer.
What is the likelyhood of refusal?
We live in the fens so drainage is good and our village has never been flooded anywhere.
We need a soak away irrospective of planning as althought the drive is only 5m long, it does drop towards the house, so water will accumilate outside the kitchen window and front door. There is a drain (currently used by the sink/dishwasher/washing machine waste) right where the water would sit and would be easiest to run the soakaway across the front of the house into this; which goes into the drain the houses guttering uses (which I assume is also the sewer).
However, I just called the council and the planning fee is £150... time is an issue as Im trying to get stuff done asap... and there is always the chance they'll say no.
So Im wondering whether its best to bite the bullit, save the £150 fee and run a through the back garden to the ditch... or take a chance they may sort the application quickly and use the ideally placed drain out front, which will save agro of digging 18mtr trench.
Any experiences or advise?
Thanks.
I live in a cul de sac and have a drive (currently gravelled) of approx. 25sqM. There are 20odd houses in the street, only 6 were built with a concrete drive, the rest originated as front gardens - approx 6 have been converted to driveways and only 2 of them are CBP - the rest being gravel.
I've checked planning webpages and if I understand correctly; you need planning permission for block paving a drive over 5sqM if the water is not directed to a natural soak-away and to the sewer.
What is the likelyhood of refusal?
We live in the fens so drainage is good and our village has never been flooded anywhere.
We need a soak away irrospective of planning as althought the drive is only 5m long, it does drop towards the house, so water will accumilate outside the kitchen window and front door. There is a drain (currently used by the sink/dishwasher/washing machine waste) right where the water would sit and would be easiest to run the soakaway across the front of the house into this; which goes into the drain the houses guttering uses (which I assume is also the sewer).
However, I just called the council and the planning fee is £150... time is an issue as Im trying to get stuff done asap... and there is always the chance they'll say no.
So Im wondering whether its best to bite the bullit, save the £150 fee and run a through the back garden to the ditch... or take a chance they may sort the application quickly and use the ideally placed drain out front, which will save agro of digging 18mtr trench.
Any experiences or advise?
Thanks.