Homeowners pave way for legislative change

Aardvark Concrete note that the number of householders opting to re-do their driveway has increased significantly following the launch of the government's Water Strategy 2008.

More homeowners are smartening up their driveways than ever before, in a bid to beat impending planning legislation due out later this year.

Aardvark Concrete - the Stockport-based concrete supply specialist - said business at its new household division Aardvark Driveways had surged since the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) set out new rules in February 2008.

Under the government's strategy, homeowners will be required to make better use of water through improved technology and water-efficient products.

The legislation includes changes to householders' permitted development rights in relation to paving over front gardens.

In future, householders will need to obtain planning permission to pave over their front gardens unless the surface is porous.

This means using substances such as gravel or permeable paving.

Mick Duignan, office manager of Aardvark Concrete, said the household division - based at Woodford Garden Centre - has seen turnover grow by nearly 35% in just three months as householders rush to complete work before the changes come into force.

He commented: "We've seen a flood of customers since the government announced its Water Strategy earlier this year".

"The new planning rules are set to have a significant impact on those homeowners looking to develop their front gardens using non-porous materials - this has fuelled a sudden upsurge in enquiries and contracts".

Duignan continued: "We've experienced a huge amount of success since launching Aardvark Driveways in January 2008".

"Custom-made driveways, patios and paths are proving extremely popular and our highly experienced team has been in great demand as people rush to beat the deadline".

Last month, Aardvark Concrete launched a new product in line with the government's impending legislation, pervious concrete.

The environmentally friendly product is a porous material that allows rainwater to pass directly through the concrete and into the surrounding ground.

Aardvark Concrete is understood to be the only concrete supplier in the country to be offering the product.

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