New tarmac driveways in Dunstable

What does a new tarmac driveway cost in Dunstable?

These Dunstable guide prices reflect rates in the East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
New black tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£63–£100 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,100–£3,300
Example: 50 m² drive	£3,150–£5,000
Example: 80 m² drive	£5,050–£8,000

As a 2026 guide in Dunstable, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £63–£100 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £3,150–£5,000. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

The build-up we price

What we do on a new tarmac driveway

A new tarmac driveway is built from the ground up: the old surface and soil are dug out, a compacted stone sub-base is laid, then a hot binder course and a finer surface course are spread and rolled, and the edges are held by kerbs or blocks.

Dig to formation level, usually around 230–250 mm below finished height
MOT Type 1 sub-base laid and compacted in layers, about 150 mm
Concrete-haunched kerbs or a block-paved border as edge restraint
Binder course (AC 20 dense), about 50–60 mm, laid hot and rolled
Falls set so water runs to a channel, gully or soft landscaping

Covering Dunstable

The key facts for Dunstable. Dunstable is 5 miles from Luton, and we survey there as part of Bedfordshire cover.

Postcodes: LU6, LU5, LU4
Area: Bedfordshire
Nearest towns: Luton (5 miles), Leighton Buzzard (6 miles), Harpenden (9 miles), Berkhamsted (9 miles)
Pricing: East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

Close to Dunstable: Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead.

Do I need permission in Dunstable?

In England, householder permitted development (Class F of the 2015 General Permitted Development Order) lets you lay a hard surface in front of a house without planning permission if it is porous, or if the rainwater is directed to a permeable area within the property. If the area is more than 5 m² and neither applies, you need permission. Standard dense tarmac is not porous, so a dense tarmac drive needs a lawn, border, channel to a soakaway or other permeable route for its water. If the job needs a dropped kerb, the highway authority (the county or unitary council) approves it before any work on the footway.

Your questions answered

What approvals apply in Dunstable?

In England, a new hard surface over 5 m² in front of a house needs planning permission unless it is porous or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. Dropped kerbs are approved by the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

How much does a new tarmac driveway cost in Dunstable?

As a 2026 guide in Dunstable, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £63–£100 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £3,150–£5,000. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

How long will the work take at my Dunstable property?

Usually 2–4 working days for a typical drive, longer with drainage or a dropped kerb. We book Dunstable surveys alongside other jobs in Bedfordshire, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

Is the survey in Dunstable free?

Yes for new surfacing such as drives, paths, private roads and car parks. Small repairs are often priced from photos; if a visit is needed for a repair-only job, we tell you any charge first.

More we do in Dunstable

Ready for a price in Dunstable? Use the guide price tool or send the form, and we'll arrange a visit.