Marshalls offers advice on permeable paving

Catastrophic flooding in the UK in recent years has demonstrated the consequences of overloading drainage systems and the importance of water management in urban areas.

In times of heavy or sustained rainfall, systems come under extreme pressure which can often result in surface run off and long term drainage problems.

Changes to Government legislation mean it is vital for every building professional to understand SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions) and focus on well balanced, sustainable driveway design.

Marshalls provides suitable options for consumers to decide on driveway design while remaining within the guidelines of the legislation.

In 2008, the Government introduced front garden legislation that requires planning permission to lay traditional impermeable driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from front gardens onto roads.

Householders will not require planning permission if they use permeable paving, or have sufficient drainage or soak away to ensure runoff from non-permeable surfaces does not go onto roads.

Not everyone has the right soil conditions for permeable paving, and for it to work well it should be installed by a trained professional.

There is training available for building professionals unsure of permeable paving installation.

Marshalls' offers quick guide to the options available.

Option 1: Direct rainwater to a flower bed or another area of the garden which has been designed to allow water to drain away.

This option may involve using linear drainage or a driveway channel, and may also involve putting a soakaway underneath part of the lawn.

Marshalls suggests is Driveline 50 Vintage, Drivesett Tegula, Drivesett Argent.

Option 2: Use permeable paving which allows rainwater to drain through the driveway into the ground below.

The driveway sub-base should be prepared using 6mm and 20mm clean crushed stone, which allows water to travel down between the blocks into the ground.

Marshalls' Priora and Grassguard range are sutable solutions for a permeable driveway.

Marshalls suggests is Driveline Priora, Grassguard.

Option 3: Do not make any provision for the rain water that falls on your driveway.

This is the least sustainable option and may contribute towards a build up of rainwater on the property during times of heavy rain.

If planning permission is granted, there's a great variety of concrete block paving products available in a range of sizes and colours.

Marshalls suggests Driveline 50 Vintage, Drivesett Tegula, Drivesett Argent.

Marshalls' Register of Approved Installers are independent and abide by Marshalls' stringent installation guidelines.

Approved Installers are vetted and checked by Marshalls' own professional assessors and they have access to a full programme of support including marketing collateral, exclusive products and offers, and training on permeable paving and sales techniques.

Back to top