Shropshire-based business Readypave Limited has commended the new Government planning regulations which will reduce the pressure on our drainage systems.
The regulations, which came into action on 1 st October 2008, detail new rules for homeowners wanting to pave over their driveways and front gardens.
The rules state that if a homeowner would like to pave a surface of more than five square meters with a traditional, impermeable material such as tarmac, block paving, slabs or concrete, planning permission would be required. This is because these types of surfaces do not control rainwater running off onto roads. This rule will not affect homeowners who pave their driveways and front gardens with permeable (or porous) materials such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt, as these materials allow water to drain through.
These regulations are an attempt to reduce flooding risks and improve ground water levels. In towns and cities up to 95% of rain water can go directly into a drainage system that was often created more than 100 years ago. This not only poses a risk of floods, which shook Sheffield and Hull in recent years, but inadequate draining can also damage the foundations of buildings, as well as the health of plants and trees, which suffer when ground water levels are too low.
Andy Read, Director of Readypave, which specialises in pattern-imprinted concrete and has more than 20 years experience in the industry, commented:
“There is a definite need to reduce flooding risks and improve ground water levels. The effects of flooding in the country in recent years have reinforced the need for adequate drainage and flood risk management. Customers are now on the lookout for paving solutions which are durable, can cope with increased rain fall, and low maintenance, whilst still being attractive enough for their garden or driveway. Correctly installed drainage solutions are the answer to the unsatisfactory alternative of free draining surfaces such as gravel, porous asphalt and other permeable surface options which are far from low maintenance, needing frequent replenishing, pressure washing and the use of weed killers and algaecides.”
Andy adds: “The use of a professional paving company such as Readypave, which serves North Wales, the North West and the Midlands and has the experience and expertise in drainage solutions, will remove the need for the often lengthy planning permission process and will provide drainage solutions normally costing less than the fee involved with applying for any permission. Correct design is needed to control the surface water run off which can be directed straight into a sustainable drainage system or collected in drainage channels and piped to a soak away system. We can address this requirement, whilst still providing attractive paving solutions.”
Readypave will be happy to provide you with a free survey and consultation to discuss your paving and drainage requirements. You can contact Readypave on:
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Readypave pattern imprinted concrete has become a popular choice for people as it is durable, easy to maintain, weed free and slip resistant. The vast range of colours and pattern available together with the knowledge that your driveway is being installed by one of the country's leading imprinted concrete companies, who install all of their own jobs using their own highly trained professional employees with over 1500 installations can give you peace of mind.