New tarmac driveways in Exeter

What does a new tarmac driveway cost in Exeter?

These Exeter guide prices reflect rates in the South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
New black tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£62–£98 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,050–£3,250
Example: 50 m² drive	£3,100–£4,900
Example: 80 m² drive	£4,950–£7,850

As a 2026 guide in Exeter, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £62–£98 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,050–£3,250. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

The build-up we price

What is included in 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
Geotextile membrane where the ground is soft or clay
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

Exeter: the local details

Exeter at a glance. Exeter is one of the bigger places we cover in Devon, so survey slots come round regularly.

Postcodes: EX4, EX2, EX1, EX3, EX6, EX5
Area: Devon
Nearest towns: Exmouth (9 miles), Tiverton (12 miles), Newton Abbot (14 miles), Torquay (18 miles)
Pricing: South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Exmouth, Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton.

Planning and kerb rules for Exeter

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. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Your questions answered

Do you cover all of Exeter?

We cover Exeter including EX4, EX2, EX1, EX3, EX6, EX5, and nearby Exmouth, Tiverton, Newton Abbot.

Can I get a free survey in Exeter?

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.

What approvals apply in Exeter?

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).

What is the price of a new tarmac driveway in Exeter?

As a 2026 guide in Exeter, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £62–£98 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,050–£3,250. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Also in Exeter

Tell us what you have in mind for Exeter and we'll book a survey and put the specification in writing.