Lots of streets in the UK were built at a time when car parking wasn’t an issue, and so as time has gone on and car ownership has skyrocketed, we’re left with a problem.
Many streets are dealing with neighbour feuds and battles over parking spots on the roads outside their house, and it can be really difficult to resolve since no one owns the right to park on a specific spot on the road, even if it’s right outside their house.
For this reason, lots of homeowners have taken matters into their own hands and decided to turn their front garden into their own private parking spot. This can be really useful but there are some things to consider. Read on to find out more.
Getting Permission
If you’re thinking about turning your front garden into a parking spot, the first thing you’ll need to do is find out if you need planning permission.
The kerb along the road outside of your house belongs to the council, but it will need to be dropped to give you access to your new parking spot so you will have to apply for the right to do that.
They might also want to check if your parking spot is safe for you and others and won’t make traffic or parking issues worse.
To get planning permission, you usually need to contact your local council. They will guide you through the process, making sure your plans fit with the rules and won’t cause any problems.
Adding Value to Your Home
One of the added bonuses to creating a parking spot in your front garden is that it can make your home more valuable. If you come to sell your home, without a designated parking spot lots of buyers will find themselves put off.
It’s important to have this done correctly though so that you dont spoil your kerb appeal. Find a company that specialises in pavers and driveways and choose a design that fits with the rest of your home.
Things to Consider
On the flip side, there are some negatives when it comes to changing your front garden into a parking spot. When you put materials like concrete or tarmac on your garden, rain can’t go into the ground like it should.
This makes floods more likely, and it puts stress on the pipes that take away the water. This is even more of an issue when lots of people all decide to concrete and tarmac over large areas of their gardens.
Losing the green space also hurts nature, messing up the balance and causing problems. Even a tiny garden helps nature. Plants, bugs, and small animals like having a home there.
If you cover everything with concrete, it messes up their habitats. Plants also help cool down the city. When everything is concrete, it gets really hot.
In the Middle: Parking and Plants
It’s all about finding a balance. If you use materials like gravel or special stones that let water through, this can help to stop floods and might be worth thinking about if you’re already in an area that’s at risk.
Instead of covering the entire area with a parking spot, is there space to keep a strip of grass or planting area around the edges you can still attract bees, birds and other pollinators and do your bit for nature. Chances are it will look nicer too.