Do You Need Planning Permission for a Tarmac Driveway in Plymouth?

Thinking about laying a fresh layer of tarmac across your front garden or replacing a tired old surface? Before you book the plant hire, it pays to know whether your project qualifies as permitted development or needs formal planning consent – especially here in Plymouth, where coastal rainfall makes drainage a hot topic. Below is a straightforward guide that demystifies the current rules and highlights a few local considerations.

Permitted Development and the “Class F” Rules

Most UK houses enjoy permitted-development rights for hard surfacing under Class F of the General Permitted Development Order. In plain English, that means you can usually surface or resurface land around your home without filling in a planning-application form—as long as you meet two key conditions:

Surface Area: The paved (or re-paved) area is no larger than 5 m² or

Water Management: Rainwater must run off to a permeable area (e.g., lawn or flower bed) or pass through a permeable surface.

Tarmac Is Generally Impermeable – Here’s What That Means

Traditional hot-rolled or SMA tarmac forms a sealed, watertight layer. If you install more than 5 m² of this standard tarmac on your front garden and allow the water to drain straight onto the highway or a public sewer, planning permission is required. The rule exists because impermeable driveways can overload surface-water drains and increase flood risk.

Quick check: If you’re simply re-surfacing an existing tarmac driveway and not enlarging it, you’re still inside permitted-development territory—provided you don’t change the water run-off arrangement.

How to Stay Within the Rules Without Submitting a Full Application

Strategy How It Helps You Avoid Planning Permission

• Choose a Permeable Surface Opt for porous asphalt (sometimes called open-graded tarmac) that lets water soak through.
• Add Edge-of-Drive Drainage Fit linear channels directing water to a soakaway or garden border inside your plot.
• Keep Below 5 m² Ideal if you just need a manoeuvring strip rather than a full-width driveway.
• Local councils—including Plymouth City Council—recognise these solutions as compliance with permitted-development guidance.

Don’t Forget the Dropped-Kerb Licence

Even if planning permission isn’t required, building or widening a vehicle crossing over the pavement always needs a highway licence. The application is handled by the council’s highways team, not the planning department. Work can’t begin until they approve the construction method, contractor qualifications, and indemnity insurance.

Special Cases to Watch

• Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas – Normal permitted-development rights can be removed or restricted.
• Shared or Unadopted Roads – You may need the agreement of all frontagers or a private-street-works licence.
• Tree-Root Protection Zones – Large street trees near the driveway might trigger extra conditions or an arboricultural survey.

If any of these apply, seek written advice from your local planning authority before scheduling the job.

The Application Route (If You Need One)

Should your design still require planning permission, the process is usually straightforward:

• Pre-Application Enquiry (Optional) – Get informal feedback on drainage proposals.
• Full Householder Application – Provide site plan, surfacing spec, and drainage details.
• Decision Period – Typically eight weeks; seldom requires a neighbour consultation for driveways alone.
• Conditions Compliance – Most permissions attach a condition that the drainage system must be installed before the driveway is first used.

Why Work With a Local Specialist

A Plymouth-based driveway contractor will:

• Design to SuDS principles so rainwater never heads for public drains.
• Supply porous asphalt alternatives if you want a tarmac look without the paperwork.
• Liaise with the highways department on dropped-kerb details, saving you multiple phone calls.

Key Takeaways

• Traditional tarmac is impermeable—go permeable or install onsite drainage to stay within permitted development.
• The magic figure is 5 m² for new or enlarged front-garden surfacing.
• Dropped kerbs always need a separate licence, even when planning permission is not required.

When in doubt, ask your local planning authority or a reputable driveway specialist for written clarification.

Ready to Start Your Tarmac Project?

At RM Driveways & Landscaping we design, drain, and install tarmac (and permeable asphalt) driveways that meet both planning and highway regulations. If you’re unsure whether your plans need permission, we’ll carry out a free site survey and provide clear guidance—so you can proceed with confidence and no hidden red tape.

Book your free driveway consultation and get expert advice tailored to your Plymouth property today.