Driveway Costs at a Glance (2026)
| Material | Cost Per m² | Typical Double Drive (40m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Tarmac (asphalt) | £40–£65/m² | £1,600–£2,600 |
| Gravel | £20–£40/m² | £800–£1,600 |
| Block paving (standard) | £60–£90/m² | £2,400–£3,600 |
| Block paving (premium) | £90–£130/m² | £3,600–£5,200 |
| Resin bound | £80–£120/m² | £3,200–£4,800 |
| Concrete | £50–£80/m² | £2,000–£3,200 |
| Porcelain/stone flags | £90–£150/m² | £3,600–£6,000 |
All prices include removal of the existing surface, sub-base preparation, and edging. A new dropped kerb adds £600–£1,200 and requires council permission (usually £200–£400 in fees).
Which Driveway Material Is Best?
Tarmac — quickest to lay, cheapest for large areas. Not the most attractive but practical. Can be re-sealed every 5–10 years to extend life. Good for large driveways where cost per m² matters.
Block paving — most popular in UK residential. Repairable (individual blocks can be replaced), good drainage (if laid correctly), and looks good for years. Requires occasional re-sanding of joints and weeding.
Resin bound — poured in place, seamless, permeable (no planning permission needed in most cases). Very smart appearance. Degrades in UV over 10–15 years (discolours/cracks). Not suitable for heavy vehicles or commercial use.
Gravel — cheapest option, good drainage, deters intruders. Needs regular topping up, stones travel, and it's not wheelchair-friendly.
Concrete — extremely durable (30+ years), low maintenance. Can crack in freeze-thaw cycles; cracks are hard to repair invisibly.
Planning Permission for Driveways
Since 2008, paving over your front garden with an impermeable surface requires planning permission. However, you are exempt if:
- The area is under 5m² (essentially a path), OR
- The surface is permeable (gravel, permeable block paving, resin bound, or permeable concrete)
This is why resin bound and permeable block paving have grown in popularity — they're drainage-compliant and avoid the planning application. Tarmac and standard concrete require either planning permission or must drain into a lawn area (not the road).
A new dropped kerb always requires council permission. Most councils grant it; costs vary but budget £200–£500 in application fees plus £600–£1,200 in construction.
What Drives the Price Up?
- Depth of sub-base required — if the existing ground is soft, waterlogged, or the driveway needs to support heavy vehicles, a deeper MOT Type 1 sub-base is needed, adding cost
- Existing surface removal — concrete removal costs more than removing an old tarmac or gravel surface due to weight and skip volume
- Edging detail — flush edging, bull-nosed edging, or decorative contrast edging adds to both material and labour costs
- Drainage channels — if water currently runs off toward the house, proper channel drains are essential (£200–£600 installed)
- Steps or levels — sloped driveways or level changes add significantly to groundwork complexity
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new driveway cost in 2026?
A tarmac double driveway (40m²) costs £1,600–£2,600. Block paving costs £2,400–£5,200 for the same area. Resin bound runs £3,200–£4,800. Porcelain or stone flags are the premium option at £3,600–£6,000.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
You need permission for impermeable surfaces (solid concrete, tarmac) over 5m² on the front garden. Permeable surfaces (gravel, resin bound, permeable block paving) don't require permission. A new dropped kerb always requires council permission.
How long does a new driveway last?
Tarmac: 15–25 years. Block paving: 20–30 years. Resin bound: 10–20 years (UV degrades surface). Concrete: 25–40 years. All depend on quality of sub-base preparation and maintenance.
How long does it take to install a new driveway?
A standard double driveway takes 1–3 days depending on the material. Concrete requires 3–5 days to cure before use. Block paving and resin can usually be walked on the next day.
Is block paving or tarmac better?
Block paving looks better and is repairable (individual blocks replaced). Tarmac is cheaper per m² and quick to lay. For most residential driveways, block paving offers better value over 20+ years.
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