Guildford Resin Driveways

Do resin driveways need planning permission?

In most cases, no. A permeable resin bound driveway, or one that drains to a lawn or border on your property, is normally permitted development in England. The exceptions are where people get caught out, so check them before work starts.

By the Guildford Resin Driveways editorial team · Published 25 October 2026 · Next review 25 April 2027

In short: since 1 October 2008, a new or replacement hard surface in a front garden in England needs planning permission only if it is over 5 m², impermeable, and drains onto the road or pavement. Permeable driveways of any size normally do not need permission. Separate rules apply to conservation areas with Article 4 directions, listed buildings, flats and maisonettes, and new dropped kerbs.

The rule in one table

Your front driveway Planning permission?
Permeable surface, any size Not normally
Impermeable, drains to a lawn or border on your property Not normally
Impermeable, 5 m² or less Not normally
Impermeable, over 5 m², drains to the road or pavement Yes
Any surface at a listed building May need listed building consent
Conservation area with an Article 4 direction removing rights Yes, check with the council
Flat or maisonette Normally yes
New dropped kerb onto a road Separate highway consent needed

What counts as permeable

The government guidance names gravel, permeable block paving, porous asphalt and porous concrete, and describes permeable sub-bases made from open-graded aggregates such as 4/20 and Type 3. Resin bound is permeable only when laid over a permeable build-up. Laid over solid concrete or dense tarmac, water drains through the resin and then runs off the old surface, so it is treated like any other impermeable surface unless it drains to a permeable area.

Conservation areas and listed buildings in Guildford

Guildford borough has 40 conservation areas, including Guildford Town Centre, Shere, Ripley, Shalford, Chilworth, Albury, East and West Horsley, Effingham, Pirbright, West Clandon, Worplesdon and Wood Street. It also has over 1,000 listed buildings. Some conservation areas have Article 4 directions that remove permitted development rights for hard surfaces. If your home is in one, contact the council's Design and Conservation team before you commission work. Homes in Godalming, Farnham, Haslemere and Cranleigh are in Waverley borough, and Woking homes in Woking borough; check with the relevant council.

Dropped kerbs

If you need a new or widened vehicle crossing over the pavement, that is a separate application to the highway authority, which for Guildford is Surrey County Council. Do not lay a drive that relies on a crossing you do not yet have permission for.

The Surrey Hills

Large parts of the area around Guildford are in the Surrey Hills National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). This does not by itself change the 5 m² rule for houses, but it can affect other permitted development and design expectations. Natural, muted aggregate colours are a sensible choice.

Frequently asked questions

Does this apply to back gardens?

The 5 m² rule applies to front gardens (land between the house and the highway). Hard surfaces elsewhere on a house plot are generally permitted development, subject to the same exceptions for listed buildings and some designated areas.

I live in a flat. Can I lay a resin driveway?

Permitted development rights for hard surfaces apply to houses. Flats and maisonettes normally need planning permission, and you may need the freeholder's consent.

Who checks whether my drive is permitted development?

You are responsible. If in doubt, apply to Guildford Borough Council (or Waverley or Woking, depending on your address) for a lawful development certificate, or ask for pre-application advice.

How much does a planning application cost?

The Planning Portal gives £548 for a typical householder application in England (checked October 2026). Fees change, so check the Planning Portal before applying.

Sources

  1. MHCLG and Environment Agency, Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens — www.gov.uk/government/publications/permeable-surfacing-of-front-gardens-guidance
  2. Planning Portal, How much does a planning application cost? — www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/how-much-does-a-planning
  3. Guildford Borough Council, Historic Environment Information — www.guildford.gov.uk/media/21346/Historic-Environment-Information/pdf/Historic_E

Related guides

Speak to a resin specialist