Permeable paving

Loose gravel

Loose gravel is the simplest type of permeable paving to construct, and it is cost-effective. The driveway sub-base is covered in a layer of gravel/shingle. A strip of block paving or asphalt at the entrance to the driveway helps to limit the loss of the gravel/shingle. 

Wheel tracks

These are paved tracks that align with car wheel tracks, with permeable material between the tracks to allow any run off to soak away. 

Reinforced grass and gravel

This system strengthens the grass, allowing cars to drive over it causing minimal damage. Manufacturers are able to advise on the best material for individual locations. The Council uses this system in some residential areas.

Hard permeable and porous surfaces

This is a type of hard surfacing which allows water to soak into it. It can include porous concrete blocks and porous clay block paving. The material has gaps between the blocks which allows the water to soak away. It has a permeable sub-base. 

Rain gardens and soakaways

Water can be directed towards a border, rain garden or soakaway. A rain garden is a depression in the garden to collect and store rainwater before allowing it to soak away into the ground or flow to the drains. 

Soakaways are a similar idea where water is piped into a gravel-filled trench or geocellular box and allowed to soak into the ground.

Rainwater harvesting

Water butts or underground rainwater tanks can be used to complement all drainage methods to reduce run off. The water can then be reused for numerous purposes. Specialist rainwater harvesting companies can help.

These webpages have been produced in collaboration with Interpave, the Environment Agency and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.