Contending for Space: The Debate Over Parking Spots Versus Front Gardens
In the bustling streets of the UK, the elegant charm of green lawns and blooming flower beds has increasingly given way to the harsh reality of asphalt and parked cars, altering the appearance of entire neighborhoods.
Back in 1995, the Government bestowed pavement crossovers (or kerb drops) with 'permitted development' status, and many front gardens soon fell victim to the paver’s touch. Along with the disappearance of gardens, an estimated 25% of all front gardens now lie paved.1
If you find yourself residing on a road where obtaining a parking permit is a costly endeavor or where spaces are limited, or if your household boasts several vehicles, you may be contemplating azzling your front lawn into a parking lot.
Before you place an order for a truckload of tarmac, bear in mind that there dern exist ways to harmonize a welcoming green space and a parking zone, provided that the planning process is meticulous. By putting thought and effort into your decisions, you can create a space that is practical, appealing, and mindful of the environment.
Six reasons why you should resist paving over your front garden
Erosion of wildlife habitats
Paving over gardens significantly diminishes the available green sanctuaries for wildlife, depriving various species of food, shelter, and habitat. The disappearance of gardens means losing crucial plant life for pollinators and vital habitats such as hedges and trees.1
Increased flood risks
The drains in many urban and suburban areas were built long ago and were not designed to endure today's increased rainfall due to climate change. The combined impact of multiple households paving their front gardens with non-porous materials results in excessive run-off into drains, heightening the risk of flooding.1
Poor air quality
Paving over front gardens adversely affects air quality, making city streets hotter at night as the heat absorbed by the paving during the day is released, an effect known as the "heat island effect."1
Water pollution
Oil, gasoline, and brake dust from cars accumulate on hard, impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt and are then washed away into the drains. This pollution harms local ecosystems and the broader environment, as rainwater from paved areas often flows directly into streams and rivers or overflows into sewer systems during heavy rainfall.1
Tarnished neighborhood aesthetic
Paved-over front gardens can alter a street's appearance. If you no longer tend to your green area, you'll likely interact with your neighbors less, detracting from the "green" charm of the neighborhood.1
Decreased wellbeing
A recent research project conducted in collaboration with the University of Sheffield found that green front gardens can lower both mental and physical stress for residents, reducing psychological and physiological strain at a level equivalent to the long-term impact of eight weekly mindfulness sessions.1
Planning permission requirements
Since October 2008, residents in England must secure planning permission from their local council if they wish to pave their front garden with impermeable materials over an area of five square meters. Permeable materials and products that allow water to drain through are exempted from this regulation.1
How to unite parking and planting
If you still decide to pave a part of your garden, responsible paving practices must be followed to minimize environmental impact. To achieve a harmonious blend of parking and greenery, keep the parking area as modest as feasible, and ensure that as much planting is incorporated as possible, using permeable materials.
Prioritize planting
Incorporate trees, shrubs, and climbers
A gorgeous tree or a blossoming tree can illuminate the entire neighborhood. Evergreen shrubs will provide structure and interest year-round, while a climber attached to the house can offer added appeal.
Swap a fence for a hedge
A hedge is ideal for wildlife, reduces noise pollution, and is more visually appealing than a fence. Explore 30 of the best plants for a hedge.
Plant within pockets
If you opt for gravel, consider planting directly within it, or tuck plants between pavers.
Evaluate parking space size
A standard parking space measures 2.4m by 4.8m, with extra space to accommodate access to and from the car. By carefully planning the parking area, you can determine the size needed to comfortably park your vehicle and still have ample space for planting.2
In the garden above, designer Jane Brockbank screened a compact car-parking area using a trio of birch trees. They are adorned with a selection of evergreen ferns and hardy alchemilla.2 Closer to the paving, evergreen groundcover plants like Pachysandra terminalis join low-growing hardy alchemilla and pure-white pansies.2
Jane points out that enthusiastic planting isn't the only strategy for masking cars from a house's sightlines. In this garden, she created undulating landforms near the front windows using spading and raking new topsoil to different heights. These landforms not only help to hide parked cars but are an attractive feature in their own right.2
Consider parking tracks
Designer James Alexander-Sinclair notes: "The area in contact with a stationary car is not much more than a square foot. The only points of contact are the tires. Nevertheless, autos need to navigate from the street to the parking spot, but that entails only two narrow tracks."2
If you have only one car, the most effective method to create parking and minimize paving is to install two narrow tracks within the garden, arranged to align with the car's tire paths. The pavers must be suitable for vehicular use, with each track usually 300mm to 600mm wide - wider tracks make driving on them easier.2 This solution generates a stylish appearance when combined with gravel or a dense thicket of low-growing plants.
Choose permeable paving materials
A wealth of permeable drive-over products is available. Some options include:
- Gravel
Generally inexpensive, although unsuitable for sloping sites. Use land-based gravel instead of pea shingle, as it is larger-sized and less likely to scatter.2
- Permeable block paving
Permeable bricks or blocks mimic traditional block paving, but their interlocking structure ensures water can percolate through the gaps between them. Consider leaving spaces between them to allow further runoff - this also provides additional planting opportunities.2
- Porous asphalt or concrete
Porous asphalt and concrete permit water to move through, constructed from a mixture of large and fine aggregates, creating gaps that allow water to seep in.2
- Reinforced grass
Made from a honeycomb plastic matrix, reinforced grass allows grass to grow through it. While it can be stylish, perfect soil preparation is essential, and only exceptionally sturdy varieties of grass can withstand this treatment.2
Ensure any permeable paving material remains clear of leaves, debris, or soil to ensure water is able to drain effectively - this is especially critical with block paving, as debris can clog the gaps between the paving stones.2
Front garden case study
In 2017, the Royal Horticultural Society pioneered a transformation of a paved front garden in Greenford, West London into a practical green space, while maintaining space to park two vehicles.1
The planting plan, by Caro Garden Design, showcased evergreen plants and seasonal flowers. The garden featured permeable recycled plastic and gravel paving and showcased a wildlife-friendly hedge.1 Learn more about the project.1
Useful resources
- gov.uk
- interlay.org.uk
- paving.org.uk
- planningportal.gov.uk/permission/house
- rhs.org.uk
- addagrip.co.uk
- forterra.co.uk/formpave
- marshalls.co.uk
- netlon.com
- sureset.co.uk
- By choosing permeable paving materials such as gravel, porous asphalt, or concrete, one can create a parking space that allows water to drain through, reducing the risk of flooding and preserving the local environment.
- Incorporating trees, shrubs, climbers, and other plants into the parking area not only enhances the neighborhood aesthetic but also offers food, shelter, and habitat for wildlife.
- Planting within pockets or between pavers, such as using groundcover plants like Pachysandra terminalis and hardy alchemilla, provides additional opportunities for greenery even in a parking space.
- Opting for gravel or narrow tracks within the garden, arranged to align with the car's tire paths, allows a smaller paved area while still maintaining a beautiful and environmentally friendly landscape.
