Do You Need Planning Permission for a Driveway in Newcastle?

Planning a new driveway in Newcastle? You might be wondering if you need planning permission before getting started. It’s a common question — and one that often leads to confusion.

At Newcastle Driveways, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners upgrade their driveways legally and safely. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about driveway planning permission in Newcastle.

We’ll break down the rules, when you do and don’t need permission, and what happens if you ignore them.

If you’re unsure where to start, this is the place.

Why Planning Permission Matters

Driveways might seem simple, but they can impact drainage, safety, and even local roads. That’s why certain rules apply — especially when it comes to how water drains from the surface.

Since 2008, planning laws have tightened around paving over front gardens and installing impermeable surfaces. The aim is to reduce flooding caused by excess surface water running into public drains.

Getting it wrong could lead to fines or being asked to rip up your driveway and start again. That’s why it’s always worth checking before you begin.

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission

Good news: in most cases, you don’t need permission to install or replace a driveway — as long as you follow a few key rules.

The driveway uses a permeable surface

If your driveway is made with materials that allow water to drain through naturally, you’re generally in the clear. This includes:

• Resin-bound gravel
• Permeable block paving
• Loose gravel
• Porous asphalt

These surfaces help manage rainfall and prevent runoff into public drains.

At Newcastle Driveways, we often recommend permeable options for exactly this reason. They look great, perform well, and avoid the hassle of planning applications.

You include a drainage solution

Even if you choose an impermeable surface like tarmac or standard concrete, you can still avoid permission — as long as water is directed to a suitable drainage area.

This could be:

• A soakaway beneath the driveway
• A garden bed or lawn that absorbs water
• Drainage channels leading to a private drain or soak pit

The key is that water must not flow onto the road or into public drains.

We design every driveway with proper water management in mind. It’s part of our standard service.

The surface area is less than 5 square metres

If your new or extended driveway covers an area less than 5m², you don’t need planning permission — even if it’s impermeable.

This size limit is mostly relevant for small additions, such as extending an existing driveway slightly or adding a parking space for a motorbike.

When You Do Need Planning Permission

While most driveways don’t require it, there are a few situations where planning permission is essential. Ignoring this could lead to issues later — especially if you plan to sell your home.

The surface is impermeable and covers over 5 square metres

If your driveway is larger than 5m² and uses a surface that doesn’t allow water to drain through — like solid concrete or traditional tarmac — then planning permission may be required.

This is particularly important for front gardens being converted into driveways. The rules are designed to reduce surface water flooding in built-up areas.

If you’re unsure whether your chosen surface qualifies as permeable, we’ll help you check before any work begins.

You’re installing a new dropped kerb

Even if your driveway itself doesn’t require permission, adding or widening a dropped kerb does.

Dropped kerbs are managed by Newcastle City Council’s Highways Department. You’ll need to apply for permission and have the work carried out by an approved contractor.

At Newcastle Driveways, we guide our clients through this process. We can help with the application and coordinate with the council where needed.

You live in a conservation area or have a listed property

If your home is in a designated conservation area, or is listed, stricter planning controls apply.

Even using permeable surfaces may require permission. You may also need to use specific materials or maintain certain landscaping features.

There are several conservation areas in Newcastle, including parts of Jesmond, Gosforth, and Grainger Town. We always check your postcode during our site visit to see if extra permissions are required.

The new driveway changes access to a main road

If your new driveway creates a new access point onto a classified road (such as a busy A-road), you may need both planning permission and highway approval.

This helps maintain visibility, safety, and traffic flow.

If in doubt, we’ll assess your road type and advise on what’s needed.

What Happens If You Ignore the Rules?

It might be tempting to go ahead without checking — especially if a neighbour got away with it.

But the consequences can be serious:

• The council could issue an enforcement notice, requiring you to remove or redo the driveway
• You may struggle to sell your home later without proof of compliance
• Poor drainage could lead to flooding, ice hazards, or long-term damage to your property

The risks far outweigh the time it takes to check. At Newcastle Driveways, we take care of this for you.

How to Make Sure You’re Compliant

The easiest way to stay on the right side of the rules is to work with a local team that understands them.

We always carry out a full assessment before quoting, including:

• Measuring the proposed area
• Checking your location for conservation status
• Reviewing your chosen surface type
• Designing suitable drainage solutions
• Guiding you through dropped kerb permissions if needed

That way, you can get the driveway you want without worrying about surprises later.

Drainage and SuDS Regulations Explained

You might hear the term SuDS when researching planning permission. It stands for Sustainable Drainage Systems.

SuDS rules aim to reduce the risk of flooding by encouraging natural drainage. That’s why the law favours permeable materials and green drainage solutions.

Even if planning permission isn’t required, we still need to comply with SuDS regulations during installation. It’s not just about legal compliance — it’s about building a driveway that lasts and protects your home.

Real Example: Avoiding Planning Hassles in Heaton

One of our clients in Heaton wanted to replace their old block paving with tarmac for a smoother finish. The surface area was over 50m² and the house sloped toward the road.

Because tarmac is impermeable and the water would have drained onto the public footpath, we advised against it — at least without changes.

Instead, we added discreet drainage channels leading to a gravel soakaway at the base of the garden. The client got their smooth tarmac finish, avoided planning permission, and now has a driveway that drains properly in all seasons.

Tips Before You Get Started

If you’re thinking about a new driveway, here’s what to do before work begins:

• Measure the surface area you plan to pave
• Decide what surface material you’d like
• Check if your home is in a conservation area
• Think about where rainwater will go
• Contact Newcastle Driveways for a free site survey and advice

We’ll handle the rest.

Summary

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission for a new driveway in Newcastle — especially if you use a permeable surface or include proper drainage.

You will need permission if:

• You’re paving over 5m² with an impermeable surface without drainage
• You’re adding a new dropped kerb
• Your property is listed or in a conservation area
• Your driveway connects to a classified main road

The easiest way to be sure is to get professional advice before you start. At Newcastle Driveways, we make the process easy. We’ll help you choose the right materials, manage drainage, and guide you through any permissions required.

A beautiful, compliant driveway is just a phone call away.