ACO SoakAway allows you to meet the requirements of the October 2008 changes to the Building Regulations while using a traditional block paving surface for a drive.

Changes to the Building Regulations in October 2008 removed the automatic Permitted Development Right under which any changes could be made to a front drive without requiring planning permission. Since then, a drive must either be finished with a permeable surface or provide an alternative means of dealing with surface water runoff, preventing it from flowing into public drainage systems. 

If neither of these options is chosen, planning permission is required: obtaining this will typically cost around £150 and takes up to 8 weeks. This is necessary for both new installations and repair or reinstatement of an existing drive.

ACO SoakAway provides a simple means of controlling surface water runoff, allowing it to seep slowly into the surrounding ground and permitting the continued use of traditional surfacing methods – block paving, asphalt, or concrete – whereas installing a permeable surface is a specialised job requiring the use of higher performance drainage aggregates and bedding materials.

This kit consists of:
4 top / bottom panels, 8 side/end panels, 16 support columns and 1 roll of ACO Stabilisation Fabric. The total volume of this SoakAway is ½m3.