Driveways - the need for Planning Approval

Introduction

This guide has been prepared to help inform householders of the consents that are required from the council if they are proposing to build a driveway that require planning permission. Also included is a short summary of the required information for driveway applications. It is possible that up to three separate consents may be required:

1. Planning
2. Road Construction;
3. Landlords and/or Other Consents

Planning

Reasons for requiring planning permission include: 

the property is a flat

construction work involves over 0.5 metres of earthworks

the verge to the footway has grass over 2.5 metres wide

the driveway accesses on to a classified public road*

the property is a listed building or is situated in a conservation area

*Local authorities are obliged to consult Transport Scotland, the trunk road authority, when they receive planning applications for any development that lies within 67 metres of the trunk road or where there may be any impact on traffic using the trunk road network. 

Planning application forms, notes for guidance and a list of fees be obtained from us. If walls are also proposed please see the guide on erection of residential boundary enclosures.

Road construction

The consent of the Driveway Application Section is always required for the installation of a driveway. If the driveway is subject of a planning application this will be dealt with as part of the planning process.

Landlords and/or Other Consents

In addition Landlords or other consents may be required. Your solicitor should be able to advise you on this matter. Where the property is owned by the Council, the Council's consent as landlord will be required. Where a change of use of private or public open space is required please contact the council.

Driveway application

An application for a driveway should be made to the Driveway Application Section. They will give advice on what is required for a driveway and whether the driveway will require a planning application. If no planning application is required they will advise if the driveway is acceptable with regard to council standards. Some of the questions they will require an answer to are:

1. Is the property a council house?
2. Is the property a flat ?
3. Is the driveway to be at right angles to the road ?
4. Is the driveway to be a minimum of 5 metres long ?

All applications must include a plan clearly showing the location of the proposed driveway, the dimensions and the construction details. All applications must satisfy certain standards because the application may be rejected, these are:

The length of driveway must be a minimum of 5 metres contained within the property boundary

The driveway should not be situated within 15 metres of a road junction

There must be adequate visibility provided

If access is off a main road then vehicles must be able to enter and exit in forward gear

Generally only one footway crossing per property is allowed

The driveway must be internally drained with no surface water reaching the public road

Stone chippings or similar must not be used to surface any of the first 2 metres adjacent to the public footpath

The gradient must not exceed 1:20, though relaxation is possible to 1:15

The driveway should meet the public road at right angles

These are only a summary of the regulations.

• Driveways questionnaire

For further information please contact us. 

Contacts

• Development Management Team
  Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure
  Aberdeen City Council
  Business Hub 4
  Marischal College
  Broad Street
  Aberdeen
  AB10 1AB
  Phone: 01224 523470
  Fax: 01224 523180
  Email: pi@aberdeencity.gov.uk