Converting front garden into driveway

Hi I'm Jaroslav from Groundwork Solutions Grays. To transfer garden to driveway you will need take out all soil and grass to required depth that pending on what type of driveway you want. For example driveway with block paving is 5cm block, 5cm sand,10cm hardcore so total depth is 20cm.

Hi Barbara, contact your local planning department with details of your project, you may need permission, plus local highways department for drop kerb permission (can also come under planning permission aswell which you would need first)

I would contact your local council planning department first. Get the go ahead whether you can install a drive and any applications for a drop kerb. If you need help with this will be happy to jump on a call and run through the steps.

This is what will need to be done step by step. 1. Check if planning permission is needed – If you use a permeable surface (gravel, grids, permeable blocks), you usually won’t need it. 2. Check if you need a dropped kerb – If you already have one, you’re fine. – If you don’t and you’ll drive over the pavement, you must apply for one. 3. Ensure the space fits a car fully on your property – The vehicle must not overhang the pavement. 4. Choose your driveway surface – Gravel with grids or other permeable materials are the simplest options. 5. Prepare the area – Remove existing ground, add a compacted sub-base, lay membrane, and install your chosen surface. 6. Make sure drainage is within your property – Water must not run onto the pavement or road.

It depends on what type of driveway you want. If your having block paving then you need to excavate at least 8 inches or 200mm of soil. You then need to lay and compact MOT type1 to depth of at least 4 inches or 100mm. Cover with weed barrier then 50mm of sharp sand made level before laying blocks. Once blocks are laid kiln dried sand is scattered over blocks and vibrating plate used to settle blocks.