Do I need planning permission for a crossover or access?

You will require planning permission if you intend to form or alter a vehicular or pedestrian access to a road which is classified "A", "B" or "C" e.g. Effingham Road is the B2037. In any other case these works may be regarded as exempt from planning permission if they relate to a dwelling house (not a property sub-divided into flats) and they are required in connection with some other works which are also permitted development such as the provision of a hard surface or drive.

Following recent concerns about paving over front gardens and run-off causing localised flooding in extreme rainfall conditions planning permission is now required for any hard surface provided or replaced forward of the dwelling if it extends beyond 5 square metres in area and is not constructed of porous material or provided with direct water run-off to a permeable or porous area or surface within the garden. Further construction advice can be obtained from the Guide to paving front gardens (This link will open in a new window)

Irrespective of the need for planning permission, any works to a Public Highway such as altering the verge or pavement or providing a dropped kerb will require a separate Crossover Licence from the County Highway Authority. Details can be obtained from Surrey Road and Transport service on 03456 009 009 or write to the Mid-Surrey Area Office AO1, Opus II, Kingston Road, Leatherhead, KT22 7SY. They will expect confirmation in writing that either planning permission is not required or that planning permission has been obtained from the Council. Therefore you will need to check in writing with the Planning Department here before proceeding.

Alterations to access arrangements to commercial and other non-domestic premises will almost certainly require planning permission.

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