New planning rules which applied from 1 October, aim to encourage homeowners to use permeable paving, rain gardens and similar sustainable methods when installing new or replacing existing paving in front gardens.

Planning permission will be required for hard surfaces over 5m2, involving drawings, application forms, a fee of £150 and around 8 weeks for a decision.

Interpave has already recognised the need to address this issue and the new government Guidance on paving front gardens refers extensively to two existing Interpave documents designed to help homeowners, designers and contractors meet the new planning requirements.