New tarmac driveways in Failsworth

How much should I budget in Failsworth?

These Failsworth guide prices reflect rates in the North West, about 3% below our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
New black tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£58–£92 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£1,900–£3,050
Example: 50 m² drive	£2,900–£4,600
Example: 80 m² drive	£4,650–£7,350

As a 2026 guide in Failsworth, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £58–£92 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £2,900–£4,600. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

How it is built

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.

Break out and remove the old surface and spoil
Geotextile membrane where the ground is soft or clay
MOT Type 1 sub-base laid and compacted in layers, about 150 mm
Surface course (AC 6 dense), about 20–30 mm, laid hot and rolled
Falls set so water runs to a channel, gully or soft landscaping

Planning and kerb rules for Failsworth

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).

Where we work in and around Failsworth

Failsworth at a glance. We cover Failsworth by grouping surveys with nearby Greater Manchester jobs; Manchester is 3 miles away.

Postcodes: M35, M40
Area: Greater Manchester
Nearest towns: Droylsden (2 miles), Ashton-under-Lyne (3 miles), Chadderton (3 miles), Oldham (3 miles)
Pricing: North West, about 3% below our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Droylsden, Ashton-under-Lyne, Chadderton, Oldham, Manchester.

Your questions answered

What approvals apply in Failsworth?

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).

Do you work in my part of Failsworth?

We cover Failsworth including M35, M40, and nearby Droylsden, Ashton-under-Lyne, Chadderton.

Can I get a free survey in Failsworth?

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.

How long does a new tarmac driveway take in Failsworth?

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

Also in Failsworth

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