Paving, Hardstanding and Access Design in London

• Layout drawings for driveways, patios and paths
• Levels and falls so surface water drains correctly
• Construction build-ups suited to the ground and the loading
• Edging, threshold and drainage details
• Vehicle access and turning considerations

• New driveways, including permeable options
• Patios and garden paving
• Paths and access routes around the property
• Hardstanding for bins, bikes or equipment

1. 1

   Initial enquiry

   Tell us about your project through the contact form, including any drawings or photographs you already have.

2. 2

   Review of information

   We review the available information — existing drawings, architectural proposals, site measurements and photographs — and confirm what is needed.

3. 3

   Quotation

   We agree the scope and fee with you before any design work begins, so you know exactly what will be provided.

4. 4

   Design and checking

   We carry out the agreed calculations, drawings or specifications, checked against the relevant standards.

5. 5

   Issue of deliverables

   The agreed drawings, calculations or design notes are issued to you electronically, ready for your builder or building control.

• A site plan or sketch with approximate dimensions
• Photographs of the existing area and levels
• Your preferred surfacing material, if any
• Details of any drainage problems in the area

• Paving layout and levels drawings
• Construction build-up and edging details
• Drainage details for the paved area

Creating or widening a vehicle crossover (dropped kerb) needs approval from the local council, which is a separate application. Planning rules also require front garden paving over a certain size to be permeable or drain to a permeable area — we design with this in mind.

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

The paving itself usually does not need permission if it is permeable or drains to your garden, but a new or wider dropped kerb always needs council approval.

Why has my existing patio sunk?

Almost always because the sub-base was too thin or poorly compacted. The design specifies the correct build-up for your ground and use.

Can the design include drainage for the paving?

Yes — falls, channels and soakaways or permeable construction are part of the design, so water does not sit on or run off the surface.

• Surface Water Drainage
• External Works Site Layout
• Driveways Hardstanding