The five square metre rule
Since October 2008, householders in England need planning permission to lay a hard surface of more than five square metres in a front garden if it is impermeable and the water runs onto the road. You don't need permission if the surface is porous, such as resin-bound, permeable block paving or gravel, or if rain is directed to a lawn, border or soakaway within your own boundary.
That is why every front garden drive we plan includes a drainage decision from the start.
Dropped kerbs
You can't drive across a footpath unless the kerb has been lowered with the council's consent. Hartlepool Borough Council looks at road safety, sightlines, the size of your garden and anything in the footpath, such as trees, lamp posts or utility covers. Our dropped kerbs page explains more.
Conservation areas
Hartlepool has several conservation areas, including the Headland, Seaton Carew, the Grange and Park areas, Church Street and Stranton, along with village conservation areas at places such as Elwick, Greatham and Hart. In some of them, Article 4 directions remove householders' normal permitted development rights, which can bring things like removing a front wall or paving a front garden under planning control. If your home is in one, check with the council's planning team before work is agreed.
Listed buildings
If your house is listed, changes to its setting and boundary walls may need listed building consent. Original railings, walls and gate piers are often part of what makes a building special.
Our approach
We'll flag anything that might need the council's view as soon as we know your address. The council has the final word, so we always recommend checking with them before committing to work.