Driveways, patios and groundworks

Most domestic driveways fall under permitted development if the surface is permeable, or if surface water drains to a soakaway or border within the property. Anything over five square metres of impermeable surface that drains onto the road needs planning permission. We confirm the route in writing before any excavation starts.

Block paving is hard-wearing and easy to repair if a section settles. Resin-bound gives a clean smooth finish and is permeable, but needs a sound base. Tarmac is the cheapest per square metre over a long run. Concrete suits heavy vehicle use and rural drives. We talk through the trade-offs against the actual use, drainage and budget at the survey.

Dig depth is set against the surface course and the soil bearing, typically 200 to 300 millimetres for a domestic driveway. We use compacted MOT type-1 aggregate in lifts, whacked to a stable base, with a separation membrane over softer ground. Cutting corners on the sub-base is the single biggest reason driveways fail early.

Yes. Falls are set during the sub-base stage to direct surface water to a soakaway, border, channel drain or linear drain depending on the layout. Where the property sits in a SuDS-controlled area we design to the relevant requirements and document the drainage route in writing for your records.

A standard domestic driveway takes one to two weeks from break-out to final sweep. Larger groundworks runs, like the 145 metre rural drive we laid in Thetford, take three to four weeks because of the volume of excavation and the staged sub-base. We give a working day count with the quote.

Workmanship is covered by our written guarantee, and product warranties from the surface manufacturer (resin, paving, porcelain) are passed to you on completion. The team carries £5m public liability insurance underwritten by AXA. The guarantee term is set out in the written quote before you sign.