New Driveway Planning Checklist: 12 Things to Check Before Work Starts

Planning a new driveway involves more than choosing an attractive colour or surface. Decisions about access, drainage, groundwork, roof water and adjoining landscaping can all affect how well the finished driveway performs.

Making those decisions before installation begins can prevent awkward levels, unexpected costs and drainage problems later.

This new driveway planning checklist explains what to consider before requesting quotations or booking an installer, whether you are replacing an existing driveway or creating off-road parking for the first time.

1. Decide How the Driveway Will Be Used

Begin by considering what the driveway needs to do now and how that could change in the future.

A driveway designed for one small car will have different requirements from one used by two larger vehicles, regular visitors or a work van. It is also worth considering whether younger members of the household may eventually have their own cars.

Ask yourself:

• How many vehicles will normally use the driveway?
• Will vehicles need to park side by side?
• Is additional space needed for visitors?
• Can doors and boots be opened comfortably?
• Does someone need a wider, more accessible route to the house?
• Could an electric vehicle charger be required in the future?
• Will bins, bicycles or garden equipment regularly cross the driveway?

Thinking about everyday use produces a much better design than simply covering the largest possible area with a new surface.

2. Measure the Space and Check Vehicle Access

Measure the full area, including its narrowest points, and consider how vehicles will enter, leave and turn.

Gateposts, boundary walls, trees and neighbouring parking can all affect access. A layout may look spacious when empty but feel much tighter once two vehicles are parked and their doors need to open.

Check whether drivers can:

• Enter the driveway without mounting a raised kerb.
• Open vehicle doors without hitting walls or other vehicles.
• Reach the front door without squeezing between parked cars.
• See pedestrians and approaching traffic when leaving.
• Move bins and garden equipment past parked vehicles.
• Reverse or turn safely where space allows.

If accessibility is important, the route between the vehicle and the entrance should be considered alongside the parking spaces. Gradients, steps and narrow paths can make an otherwise attractive driveway difficult to use.

3. Check Dropped Kerb and Planning Requirements

If vehicles must cross a pavement to reach the property, an approved dropped kerb or vehicle crossing will normally be required. Driving over an ordinary raised pavement kerb can damage the pavement and underground services.

Applications for dropped kerbs are handled by the relevant local authority or highways authority. Approval may depend on factors such as visibility, road classification, nearby junctions, street furniture and the depth of the front garden.

Planning rules should also be checked before turning a front garden into a driveway.

In England, planning permission is not normally required when a new or replacement driveway uses permeable surfacing, or when surface water is directed into a suitable lawn or border within the property. An impermeable front driveway covering more than five square metres may require planning permission if water is not directed to a permeable area.

These are general rules rather than a substitute for project-specific advice. Listed buildings, conservation areas, planning conditions and local restrictions can introduce additional requirements. The Planning Portal provides further guidance on paving front gardens, but homeowners should contact their local authority if there is any uncertainty.

4. Plan Driveway Drainage Before Choosing the Finish

Drainage should be designed before the driveway surface, levels and edging are finalised.

The installer needs to understand where rainwater currently travels, which direction the ground slopes and whether water collects near the house, pavement or neighbouring properties.

A suitable drainage plan may involve:

• A permeable driveway construction that allows water to pass through.
• Directing water towards a lawn, border or other permeable area.
• Installing appropriate drainage channels.
• Adjusting falls so that water moves away from the property.
• Using a suitable soakaway where ground conditions and regulations allow.

Water should not simply be redirected onto the pavement, public highway or a neighbouring property. If the driveway slopes towards the house, the proposed drainage deserves particularly careful attention.

5. Check Gutters, Downpipes and Roof Water

A new driveway cannot be planned in isolation from the rest of the property’s drainage.

Downpipes sometimes discharge directly onto an existing driveway or into drainage that is already struggling. During heavy rain, this can add a concentrated flow of roof water to the new surface and cause puddling around walls, garages or entrances.

Before driveway work begins, check:

• Where each nearby downpipe discharges.
• Whether gutters overflow during heavy rain.
• Whether joints, outlets or gullies are leaking.
• If roof water currently crosses the planned driveway.
• Whether any underground drainage needs investigating.
• If downpipes will remain accessible after installation.

If there are signs of overflowing gutters or poorly directed roof water, these should be investigated before final driveway levels are agreed. For work outside our own surfacing services, RB Surfaces recommends Daniel Roofing and Guttering in Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley, a local company providing gutter repairs, replacements and rainwater system services.

Resolving these issues first is normally easier than disturbing a newly completed driveway later.

6. Choose the Right Driveway Surface

The right surface depends on the property, available budget, required maintenance and how the driveway will be used.

Common options include resin bound surfacing, block paving, tarmac, gravel and concrete. Each has different characteristics, and the cheapest initial option will not necessarily offer the best long-term value.

For many residential projects, a professionally installed resin bound driveway provides an attractive balance of appearance, durability, accessibility and low maintenance.

If you are unsure about the terminology, read our guide explaining the difference between resin bound and resin bonded surfaces.

7. Assess the Existing Base and Ground Conditions

The visible surface is only one part of a driveway. Its long-term performance depends heavily on the construction underneath it.

In some cases, resin bound surfacing can be installed over structurally sound concrete or tarmac. However, an existing surface should not automatically be assumed suitable simply because it appears solid from above.

An installer should assess:

• Cracking, movement or subsidence.
• Soft spots and areas that retain water.
• The depth and condition of the existing sub-base.
• Whether the base can support expected vehicle loads.
• Current falls and finished surface levels.
• The condition of concrete, tarmac or paving underneath.
• Whether excavation and a new base are required.

Covering an unstable base with a premium surface will not correct the movement underneath it. Ground preparation is therefore one of the most important parts of any driveway quotation.

8. Locate Utilities, Drains and Inspection Covers

Driveway excavation may encounter electrical cables, water pipes, drainage runs, gas supplies or telecommunications equipment.

Make the installer aware of any known services before work starts. Existing inspection covers and utility access points should also be incorporated properly into the design rather than hidden beneath the new surface.

This is also the right time to consider future requirements. If you may install an electric vehicle charger, lighting, gates or an outdoor power supply, arranging suitable ducting before the driveway is laid could prevent unnecessary cutting and repairs later.

9. Coordinate the Driveway With Paths, Lawns and Borders

The best driveway designs consider the whole frontage rather than treating the parking area as a separate project.

Finished levels must work with:

• Front doors and garage entrances.
• Garden paths and entrance steps.
• Boundary walls and gateposts.
• Flower beds and planting areas.
• Existing or proposed lawns.
• Drainage channels and inspection covers.

If the surrounding garden will also be renovated, agree which contractor is responsible for excavation, sub-bases, edgings and final levels.

This is especially important when combining resin surfacing with artificial grass. For these projects, RB Surfaces recommends As Good As Grass, artificial grass installers in Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley.

Planning both elements together allows the driveway and lawn foundations, finished levels and dividing edges to be agreed before either surface is installed. This helps create a clean transition without an awkward lip or low point where water can collect.

10. Choose Edging, Borders and Aggregate Colours

Edging does more than provide decoration. It defines the driveway, supports the perimeter and creates a neat transition between different surfaces.

Depending on the design, contrasting blocks or setts can be used around:

• The outer edge of the driveway.
• Lawns and planting areas.
• Paths leading to the front door.
• Drainage channels.
• Steps, walls and gate entrances.

For resin bound driveways, aggregate colour should be chosen in the context of the entire property. Consider the brickwork, render, roof, windows, paving and surrounding landscape rather than selecting a sample in isolation.

Lighter blends can create a bright, contemporary appearance, while warmer and darker aggregates may complement traditional stone or brick properties. Samples should ideally be viewed outdoors because colours can appear different under natural light.

11. Plan Access, Storage and Disruption During Installation

Driveway work involves deliveries, excavation and the removal of old materials. There will also be a period when vehicles cannot use the area.

If the driveway provides the main access to a garage, shed or storage area, move anything you may need before installation begins. This could include tools, bicycles, garden equipment, seasonal belongings or furniture that would otherwise become difficult to reach.

For larger clear-outs, RB Surfaces recommends ACS storage units near Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley. Its secure drive-up containers provide a practical place to keep household belongings, tools and garden equipment while driveway or wider property improvements are underway.

Before confirming a start date, ask:

• Where vehicles can be parked during the work.
• How the property entrance will remain accessible.
• Whether anything inside the garage or shed will be needed.
• Where household belongings and garden equipment will be stored.
• Where materials and installation equipment will be kept.
• How excavated material will be removed.
• Whether neighbouring access could be affected.
• How long the new surface must be left before use.
• What happens if poor weather interrupts the programme.

If several trades are involved, agree the order of work in advance. Underground drainage, electrical ducts, walls and major landscaping should normally be resolved before the final driveway surface is installed.

12. Compare Driveway Quotations Properly

A useful quotation should explain what is included rather than giving only a total price.

Two quotations can look similar while specifying very different levels of excavation, groundwork and drainage. Comparing the final figures without comparing the proposed construction can therefore be misleading.

Look for clear information about:

• The measured area included in the quotation.
• Removal and disposal of the existing surface.
• Excavation depth and ground preparation.
• The proposed sub-base and base construction.
• Drainage channels, soakaways or other drainage provisions.
• Edging, borders and inspection covers.
• The exact surface or aggregate blend.
• Access requirements and anticipated timescales.
• Waste removal and final cleaning.
• Aftercare instructions and applicable guarantees.
• Whether VAT is included where applicable.

A cheaper quotation may exclude preparation or drainage work that another contractor considers necessary. Ask for unclear items to be explained before making a decision.

Questions to Ask a Driveway Installer

A professional site survey should give you the opportunity to understand the proposed construction and raise any concerns.

Useful questions include:

• Is the existing base suitable, or will it need replacing?
• How will water be managed across the completed driveway?
• Will the finished surface drain away from the house?
• Is the proposed system permeable through every layer?
• How will doorways, garage thresholds and paths be treated?
• Are drainage channels, edging and waste disposal included?
• How will inspection covers be incorporated?
• How long will the installation take?
• When can people and vehicles use the surface?
• What maintenance will be required?
• What workmanship or product guarantees apply?

Printable New Driveway Planning Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Planning Permission for a New Driveway?

Not always. In England, a permeable front driveway or one that directs water to a suitable permeable area will not normally require planning permission under the general front-garden rules. An impermeable area larger than five square metres may require permission if adequate provision for surface water is not made. Local restrictions and other parts of the project can affect this, so check with the local planning authority where necessary.

Do I Need a Dropped Kerb?

If you need to drive across a pavement to reach the property, an approved dropped kerb or vehicle crossing will normally be required. Applications are made through the relevant local or highways authority.

Is a Resin Bound Driveway Permeable?

The resin bound surface itself contains small spaces that allow water to pass through. For the overall driveway to function as a permeable system, the construction beneath the surface must also be suitably designed and installed.

Can Resin Bound Be Laid Over Existing Concrete or Tarmac?

In many cases it can, provided the existing base is structurally sound, stable and suitable for the proposed system. Cracked, moving or poorly drained bases may need repair or replacement. A site survey is needed to determine the correct approach.

Should Guttering Be Checked Before a Driveway Is Installed?

Yes, particularly if a downpipe discharges onto or near the driveway. Overflowing gutters, leaking joints and poorly directed roof water should be addressed before final driveway levels and drainage are completed.

Should Landscaping Be Completed Before or After the Driveway?

This depends on the work involved. Major excavation, walls, drainage and underground services should normally be coordinated before the final surface. Lawns, borders and finishing work can then be completed against the agreed edging and levels. The contractors should discuss the sequence before either project begins.

Can Inspection Covers Be Included in a Resin Driveway?

Yes. Inspection covers can be incorporated into the design, but they should remain accessible. Recessed covers may sometimes be used to create a more discreet finish while retaining access to the services below.

How Long Does a New Driveway Take to Install?

Timescales depend on the size of the driveway, access, weather, excavation requirements, drainage work and the chosen surface. A straightforward resurfacing project may be quicker than a complete excavation and rebuild. The installer should provide a realistic programme after inspecting the site.

When Can I Park on a New Resin Bound Driveway?

The surface must be given sufficient time to cure before vehicles use it. The required period can vary with the resin system and weather conditions, so always follow the installer’s instructions rather than assuming the driveway is ready.

Planning a New Driveway in Clitheroe or the Ribble Valley?

A successful driveway starts with a properly considered design, suitable groundwork and an effective drainage plan.

RB Surfaces installs resin bound driveways, patios and pathways for homeowners in Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley and surrounding areas. We can assess your existing surface, discuss aggregate colours and help plan a finish suited to your property.

Learn more about our resin bound installations in Clitheroe, or contact RB Surfaces for a free, no-obligation quotation.