Do You Need Planning Permission for a Driveway in Newcastle?

Adding a driveway to your property can improve convenience, boost kerb appeal, and even increase your home’s value. But before the digging starts, many Newcastle homeowners ask the same thing:

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

The short answer? Sometimes. And if you get it wrong, you could face costly delays or even be forced to remove the work entirely.

At Newcastle Paving, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the North East plan and install driveways that are not only beautiful but also fully compliant with local planning rules.

This guide will explain exactly when you need planning permission in Newcastle, what materials are exempt, and how to avoid surprises during your project.

Let’s get into it.

What Is Planning Permission?

Planning permission is approval from your local council to make certain changes to your property. In the case of driveways, permission is only required in specific circumstances. Many driveway installations fall under what’s called permitted development — which means they don’t need a formal application.

But that depends on two main factors:

1. How surface water will drain
2. Whether you’re altering access to the road

Understanding these two areas is key to avoiding planning issues.

When You Need Planning Permission for a Driveway in Newcastle

1. You’re Using an Impermeable Surface Over 5 Square Metres

This is the most common reason you’ll need permission.

If your driveway is larger than 5m² and you plan to use a non-permeable material (such as standard concrete or tarmac), then the law requires you to seek planning permission — unless you install a drainage solution that directs water into a soakaway or garden area within your property.

Why? Because impermeable surfaces increase the risk of flooding by sending excess rainwater into the public sewer system. To prevent this, the rules state you either need a permeable surface or a plan to manage the runoff.

2. You’re Changing Access Onto a Public Road (Dropped Kerb)

If your property currently doesn’t have vehicle access and you need to create a new opening from your driveway to the road — in other words, if you want a dropped kerb — you’ll need permission from Newcastle City Council.

This is separate from planning permission and falls under Highways consent. But it’s still a formal approval process and must be followed correctly.

Your local council may also require the dropped kerb to be installed by an approved contractor.

3. You Live in a Conservation Area or Own a Listed Property

If your home is in a conservation area like Jesmond Dene or is a listed building, the rules are stricter. Even small changes to the front of the property may require permission — regardless of the material or size of the driveway.

The same applies to properties that were converted under permitted development rights. Flats and maisonettes don’t have the same rights as single-family homes and often require permission for any changes to the front garden.

4. You’re Paving Over a Front Garden That Wasn’t Previously Hard Surfaced

If your front garden is currently grass or soil, and you’re planning to pave over it entirely, the council may require a planning application — especially if drainage isn’t addressed.

In Newcastle, this rule applies most often to older terraced properties where street parking is tight and residents are looking to create their own off-street space.

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission

Now the good news. Many driveway installations in Newcastle don’t require planning permission — especially if they’re planned with drainage in mind.

Here’s when you’re in the clear:

1. You Use a Permeable Surface

Permeable or porous surfaces allow water to soak through naturally. These include:

• Gravel
• Resin-bound aggregate
• Permeable block paving
• Porous asphalt

If your entire driveway is made from one of these materials, and the surface area is larger than 5m², you do not need planning permission — as long as the water drains into the ground.

At Newcastle Paving, we often recommend permeable block paving or resin-bound gravel for exactly this reason.

2. Rainwater Is Directed to a Suitable Drainage Area

Even if you use a solid, impermeable material like tarmac, you can avoid needing planning permission if the water is routed into:

• A soakaway,
• A flower bed or lawn, or
• A permeable gravel strip at the edge of the drive

As long as no water runs onto the pavement or public road, your driveway is classed as permitted development.

3. You’re Replacing an Existing Driveway with Like-for-Like Materials

If you’re resurfacing or replacing an existing driveway and the drainage remains the same, no permission is needed. That includes switching from old concrete to new concrete, or freshening up an existing gravel drive.

However, if you’re increasing the size of the paved area, especially over 5m², you’ll need to revisit the drainage issue.

Do You Need Permission for a Dropped Kerb in Newcastle?

Yes — if you don’t already have one, you must apply through Newcastle City Council.

A dropped kerb allows vehicles to access your property legally. Without one, you risk fines for driving over the pavement, even if your driveway itself is legal.

The council may inspect the location, check for obstacles like trees or street furniture, and may require modifications to the pavement. This process usually takes a few weeks and can cost around £1,500–£2,500, depending on complexity.

We always help our clients through this process and can refer you to approved contractors.

Common Mistakes That Delay Projects

At Newcastle Paving, we often get called in after another contractor has already started work — and run into problems. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:

• Using impermeable surfaces without drainage
• Skipping the dropped kerb application
• Not checking conservation status
• Assuming permission isn’t needed based on a neighbour’s drive

Don’t assume. Check.

We offer free site assessments that include a drainage check and planning overview, so you can move forward confidently.

How We Help You Stay Compliant

When you book a free quote with Newcastle Paving, we don’t just give you a price. We walk through the full compliance checklist, including:

• Driveway surface suitability
• Drainage recommendations
• Conservation area lookup
• Guidance on dropped kerb requirements
• Advice on material choice and cost
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

If planning permission is needed, we can help you prepare the application or refer you to a local architect or planning consultant.

Summary: Planning Permission Rules for Driveways in Newcastle

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Scenario	Planning Permission Needed?
Permeable driveway over 5m²	No
Impermeable driveway over 5m² (no drainage)	Yes
Impermeable driveway with soakaway or lawn drainage	No
Dropped kerb for new access	Highways consent required
Conservation area or listed home	Yes
Flat or maisonette	Yes

When in doubt, always check with your local authority or a qualified contractor.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re unsure whether your planned driveway needs permission, the easiest next step is to book a free site survey with Newcastle Paving.

We’ll visit your property, explain your options, and help ensure everything is done right — the first time.

Get in touch with Newcastle Paving today and let’s plan your new driveway with confidence.