What is a new driveway?
A driveway is a hard surface for parking and getting on and off your property. What you see on top is the finish: block paving, paving slabs, gravel or tarmac. What you don't see is the work underneath. That means digging out soft ground, laying a membrane, then spreading and compacting a stone sub-base, so the surface can carry the weight of a car without sinking or rutting.
Most of the problems people have with old driveways, such as dips, loose blocks and puddles, come from a weak base rather than the surface itself.
When do you need a new driveway?
- Your current drive has sunk, cracked or gone uneven.
- Water sits on the surface or runs towards the house.
- You want off-road parking where there is lawn or an old path now.
- You're tidying up the front of the house before selling or after building work.
General guidance for England: if you pave more than 5 m² of a front garden with a surface that doesn't let water through, and it drains onto the road, you normally need planning permission. A new dropped kerb needs permission from your local highway authority. Check with your local council before you commit.
What's included
- Lifting and removing the old surface
- Digging out to the right depth
- Geotextile membrane and a compacted stone sub-base
- Edging to hold the surface in place
- Laying the finish you choose: block paving, slabs, gravel or tarmac
- Leaving the site swept and tidy
How we work
We start by looking at the ground, the levels and where the water will go. Then we agree the layout and finish with you and put the price in writing. On site, we work in a set order: take up the old drive, dig out, lay the membrane, build and compact the sub-base, set the edging and lay the surface.
You can see this step by step in our block paving driveway project, from the old paving being lifted to the finished tumbled blocks.
For homeowners and commercial clients
Homeowners: most of our driveway work is for households. We keep access in mind, so you know when you can and can't park, and we protect existing patios and planting where we can. See more on our homeowners page.
Commercial clients: the same groundwork applies to access roads, car parking bays and hardstanding on business and public sites. For larger areas, see roads and surfacing.
Photos from our jobs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
Often not, but it depends. In England, paving more than 5 m² of a front garden with a non-permeable surface that drains onto the road usually needs permission. A permeable surface, or one that drains to a lawn or border, usually doesn't. Your local council can confirm.
Can you lower the kerb so I can drive onto my property?
A new dropped kerb needs your local highway authority's permission first, and many councils use their own approved contractors for the work on the pavement. Ask your council what applies in your area.
Which is better: block paving, gravel or tarmac?
Block paving gives a neat, traditional look and individual blocks can be lifted and relaid. Gravel is quick and lets water drain through, but it moves about. Tarmac is smooth and practical for larger areas. We'll talk you through the trade-offs for your drive.
Will you take away the old driveway?
Yes. Lifting and removing the old surface and dug-out soil is part of the job, and we'll explain how waste is dealt with in your quote.
