Ask Tobermore: Can Permeable Paving Be Used On Sloping Sites?

Question: Our next development is on a sloping site. Can permeable paving be used on this type of site and, if so, are there any particular requirements?

Answer: It is possible to install permeable paving on sloping sites. Normally the maximum permitted surface gradient for permeable paving is approximately 5% ( 1:20 ) Any steeper and there is a possibility of the water running over the surface of the pavers and not infiltrating into the pavement.

However, on sites with slopes greater than 5% there are different solutions which can be designed into the pavement to prevent water running to the lowest point. Dams with flow controls can be constructed within the sub-base which create compartments for the storage of water.

The site can be terraced or the depth of sub-base could be increased to increase the amount of storage which would offset the loss of storage at the top of the slope. With careful planning and design sloping sites can be dealt with. Tobermore offers a broad range of permeable paving options within its Hydropave range – a permeable paving range that is manufactured with all the aesthetic detail and beauty of the non-permeable ranges but with valuable environmental benefits.

When placing a Hydropave order, Housebuilders will also receive a tailor made customer service package, ServiceSure. This customer focused service follows a project from initial enquiry to delivery and beyond, updating customers at every stage ensuring an efficient, and consistent streamlined experience. Hydropave is manufactured on a single site, with higher stock levels than the industry average, and is ready to be delivered to housebuilders in full and on time, without a long lead time.

Tobermore have partnered with Civil Engineers who specialise in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) to offer Permeable Paving Design Support packages. 

At Technical Design stage, our design partners can provide you with site-specific prelim designs that show the suitable sub-base design requirements for our Hydropave product range. These tend to be sufficient for planning consent. This is a complimentary service which will save you time and money on site.

Do you have a technical query regarding permeable paving? Get in touch and our expert technical advisors will get back to you.