Planning Permission Required?

Today I received an enquiry from a concerned lady in Buckinghamshire.  She has a tarmac drive,  a very large one I will add, in need of resurfacing.  Enquiries made at her local council intimated that planning permission is required.

Is this correct or not ?

http://www.communities.gov.uk/ - Environment Agency - Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens.

From the 1 October 2008 the permitted development rights that allow householders to have a NEW driveway or hardstanding area WITHOUT planning permission have changed.  PLANNING PERMISSION IS NOW REQUIRED to lay traditional impermeable driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from front gardens onto roads, because this can contribute to flooding and pollution of water courses.

So if that is to be taken as red then as she is not laying a new drive this does not apply?

She does not in our opinion as she is not laying a new drive.  She would however be "sealing" the surface if she were to apply RESIN BONDED STONE.   

If she were to resurface her drive with RESIN BONDED STONE she would need to look at where the water would drain to.  For instance towards her house if the drive slopes to her house, then she would need to consider alternative drainage i.e. a drainage chanel.  If it slopes to a garden area then she could consider developing a bog garden.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/ is a good source of informatiion.