A DRIVEWAY is a beneficial asset.

Not only does it make your life easier, it can also increase the value of your property, making it more attractive should you come to sell in the future.

But do you need planning permission for a driveway?

The answer largely depends on the location.

If you are paving over your front garden, you will not need planning permission as long as you use permeable materials which allow rainwater to drain through.

Examples might include gravel or porous paving slabs.

But if you intend to use impermeable materials across an area of five square metres or more, you will need driveway planning permission.

If you are considering creating a driveway at your home, also be aware that:

- Paving over your front garden is governed by different rules than those governing driveway construction. The two can appear quite similar from the outside, so if you're in doubt as to which of the two your project will fall under, it is a good idea to seek expert advice.

- Fences, walls and gates will often need planning permission to proceed.

- A dropped kerb will require specific conditions to be met, and will usually require you to use contractors approved by the council to carry out your work.

- A kerb dropping on a trunk, principal or classified road will require some form of planning consent.

- Land ownership issues (for example Land Easements or Right of Way issues) can impact your build.

- If a public footpath is present, it may need to be strengthened to protect any utilities underneath.

- Significant works of terracing and embankment, such as may be carried out to support a hard surface, will require planning permission.

- Listed buildings will require listed building consent for driveway planning permission.

The recommendation is usually to consult a solicitor before you start, to ensure you get the project right from the outset.