Updated 26 October 2026 · SK Home Improvements
A driveway is a hard surface for parking, built on a compacted sub-base. The main options are block paving, tarmac, resin-bound gravel, gravel and concrete, and most cost £4,000–£9,000 including VAT. Drainage rules matter: in England, a new front-garden surface over 5 square metres must be permeable or drain within the property, or it needs planning permission.
What are the main driveway options?
The main driveway options in the UK are block paving, tarmac, resin-bound gravel, loose gravel and concrete. They differ in look, cost, maintenance and whether rainwater can soak through. The figures below are typical lifespans with reasonable care.
| Surface | Permeable? | Typical lifespan | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block paving | Only permeable block systems | 20–30 years | Weed and re-sand joints |
| Tarmac (asphalt) | Only porous asphalt | 15–25 years | Low; can soften in heat |
| Resin-bound gravel | Yes, on a permeable base | 15–25 years | Sweep and wash |
| Loose gravel | Yes | Long, with top-ups | Rake and top up |
| Concrete or imprinted concrete | No | 20–30 years | Reseal; cracks are hard to hide |
Resin-bound and resin-bonded are different. Resin-bound mixes stones and resin into a porous layer, while resin-bonded scatters stones onto a resin coat and is not permeable.
How much does a new driveway cost?
A new driveway typically costs £4,000–£9,000 including VAT, depending mainly on the area, the surface and how much groundwork is needed. Loose gravel usually costs least to lay, tarmac and resin-bound sit in the middle, and block paving with detailed patterns or natural stone costs more.
- Digging out and disposing of an old surface or soil.
- The depth of sub-base, which depends on the ground and the vehicles using it.
- Drainage channels, soakaways or a permeable build-up.
- Edgings, steps, retaining walls and raising manhole covers.
- A dropped kerb, if you do not already have one.
- Gates, lighting and planting.
What is England's permeable front-garden rule?
In England, you need planning permission to lay more than 5 square metres of hard surface between the front of your house and the road unless it is permeable or the rainwater drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within your property. Permeable surfaces include permeable block paving, porous asphalt, resin-bound gravel on a permeable base and loose gravel. A traditional impermeable surface, such as standard block paving, tarmac or concrete, is also acceptable if it is laid to fall towards a soft area or drain that keeps the water on site.
The rule exists to cut surface-water flooding and pollution in drains. Whatever the surface, rainwater from a driveway should not run onto the pavement or road. The permitted development rule applies to houses; flats, listed buildings and some conservation areas need permission for more types of work.
Are the rules different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Yes. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each set their own permitted development rules for hard surfaces, and all of them favour permeable surfaces or drainage within the property for front gardens. The size limits and conditions differ in detail, so check with your council before you start.
In Wales, sustainable drainage is also regulated separately: most new construction covering 100 square metres or more, where it affects drainage, needs approval from the council acting as the SuDS Approving Body. A very large driveway can fall into this. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, councils can advise on surface water and whether permission is needed. Our planning permission guide covers each nation in more depth.
Do you need permission for a dropped kerb?
Yes. If vehicles will cross a pavement or verge to reach your driveway, you need a dropped kerb, also called a vehicle crossover, approved by the highway authority. That is usually your council, and in Northern Ireland it is the Department for Infrastructure. You cannot simply lower the kerb yourself.
- The authority checks visibility, the distance from junctions, trees, lamp posts and other street features, and whether your front garden is deep enough for a car not to overhang the pavement.
- Many councils build the crossover themselves or require an approved contractor to do it.
- Planning permission may also be needed, for example where the road is a classified road.
- Application fees and construction costs vary by council; the total often runs to a few thousand pounds.
Driving across a pavement without an approved crossing can lead to enforcement action by the council.
How should a driveway be built?
A driveway lasts when the ground beneath it is properly prepared, because most failures, such as sinking, rutting and cracking, start below the surface. A typical build involves:
- Excavating to the right depth for the ground and the surface chosen.
- Laying a geotextile membrane where needed to separate soil from the sub-base.
- Laying and compacting the sub-base in layers, using an open-graded stone for permeable driveways.
- Fixing firm edge restraints so the surface cannot spread.
- Laying the surface with falls that move water to a permeable area, channel or soakaway.
Surface water should not go into the foul drain. A connection to a public surface water sewer usually needs the water company's agreement.
How long does a driveway take to install?
Most driveways take between three days and two weeks to install, depending on the size, the surface and the amount of excavation. Resin-bound surfaces can usually take foot traffic within a day and cars after a day or two, depending on the weather. New concrete needs longer before cars can use it, often a week. Dropped kerb approval can take several weeks, so apply early.
Weather affects timing too. Resin and some sealants cannot be laid in rain or on a damp base, and tarmac should be laid in dry conditions above freezing. Block paving is less weather-sensitive, but a wet sub-base still slows compaction. While the work is under way, you will usually need to park elsewhere, so it helps to arrange that in advance with neighbours or the council.
What should you check before choosing a driveway?
Before choosing, decide how many cars you need to park, how the driveway will drain, and how much upkeep you are happy with. Check the position of manholes, drains and services, whether your front garden is deep enough, and whether you already have a dropped kerb. Matching the driveway to patios and paving or fencing and gates can tie the front of the house together.
We check drainage, levels and approvals before quoting. See our driveways page or get a range from our guide-price tool.
Related services
- Driveways: guide £4,000–£9,000 inc VAT
- Patios and paving: guide £2,500–£5,500 inc VAT
- Fencing and gates: guide £1,200–£3,000 inc VAT
Figures in this guide are typical UK ranges including VAT where it applies. They are not quotes. Rules on planning and building control differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and change over time, so we check what applies to your property before quoting.