RKG already covers planning and drainage during a free site visit because no two front drives behave exactly the same. A short, flat resin bound drive has different drainage needs to a sloped tarmac drive, a riverside property, or a home in a conservation area.
The simple rule: think about the first 5m²
Across RKG's current pages, the practical advice is consistent: if a front driveway uses a non-permeable surface over 5m², water needs to run to a permeable area or a compliant drainage solution rather than straight onto the public highway. Permeable surfaces usually make the planning conversation easier.
Which driveway surfaces are permeable?
| Surface | Drainage position | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Resin bound | Permeable when installed on the right base | Usually a strong fit where SuDS compliance and a premium finish both matter. |
| Shingle and gravel | Permeable | RKG describes shingle as SuDS-compliant from the start, with water draining through into the sub-base. |
| Block paving | Permeable options available | Needs the right permeable block system and sub-base; standard block paving may need drainage design. |
| Tarmac | Non-permeable | For larger front drives, RKG designs falls, linear drains, soakaways or run-off to a permeable border where needed. |
Drainage options RKG checks at quote stage
Run-off to a permeable border
Some drives can be graded so water runs to a lawn, planting bed or other permeable part of the property. This depends on levels and whether the water can be kept away from the house and highway.
Linear drains and soakaways
Where a non-permeable surface is chosen, the quote may need channel drainage, a soakaway, a French drain or another compliant route. RKG's service pages repeat the same point: drainage is assessed on site, not guessed over the phone.
Permeable surface build-up
A surface can only work properly if the base below it is built for the job. Resin bound, shingle and permeable block paving all need the right sub-base, levels and edge restraints to move water safely.
Local situations that need extra care
Existing area pages mention conservation areas in Oxford and Wallingford, Thames-side drainage in Henley and Marlow, and AONB considerations around Henley villages. Those are not reasons to avoid a driveway, but they are reasons to choose the surface and drainage route carefully.
- Conservation areas: permeable finishes are often preferred, and visible hardstanding may need extra thought.
- Riverside or flood-risk settings: levels, falls and water storage need more care than a typical suburban drive.
- Sloped drives: grip, edging and water speed matter, especially with shingle or smooth finishes.
- Existing concrete or tarmac: overlay may be possible only if the base is sound and drainage already works.
How to avoid planning and drainage surprises
Ask every contractor to explain the water route in writing. The quote should say whether the surface is permeable, how deep the sub-base is, how falls are set, where water drains, and whether extra linear drainage or a soakaway is included.
If you are still choosing between surfaces, start with the resin vs block paving guide or compare indicative ranges in the driveway cost guide. The final answer still comes from a measured site visit.