Driveways and paths · Kent

New tarmac driveways in Tonbridge

Every new tarmac driveway we price in Tonbridge comes with a written specification, so the dig depth, sub-base, binder course and surface course are on paper before anything is agreed.

TONBRIDGE GUIDE£66–£105 per m² inc VAT
Wide new tarmac driveway with granite sett border leading to a garage, typical of new tarmac driveway work

What does a new tarmac driveway cost in Tonbridge?

For Tonbridge, we apply the South East rate, about 10% above our UK midpoint. Your survey turns these ranges into a fixed price.

ItemGuide price (inc VAT)
New black tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base£66–£105 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive£2,200–£3,450
Example: 50 m² drive£3,300–£5,250
Example: 80 m² drive£5,300–£8,350

As a 2026 guide in Tonbridge, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £66–£105 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,200–£3,450. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Layer by layer

Surface course20–30 mm AC 6 denseBinder course50–60 mm AC 20 denseSub-baseabout 150 mm MOT Type 1Edgeskerbs or blocks on a concrete haunchINDICATIVE CROSS-SECTION · NOT TO SCALE

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.

  • Break out and remove the old surface and spoil
  • 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
  • Falls set so water runs to a channel, gully or soft landscaping

Planning and kerb rules for Tonbridge

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. Any new or widened crossing over the pavement needs approval from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Tonbridge: the local details

The key facts for Tonbridge. Tonbridge sits 12 miles from Maidstone, within our regular Kent cover.

Postcodes
TN9, TN11, TN10
Area
Kent
Nearest towns
Tunbridge Wells (4 miles), Sevenoaks (6 miles), Crowborough (10 miles), Maidstone (12 miles)
Pricing
South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals
The highway authority

The same service is available in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Crowborough, Maidstone, Swanley.

Tonbridge: common questions

Do I need permission for a new tarmac driveway in Tonbridge?

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 cover all of Tonbridge?

We cover Tonbridge including TN9, TN11, TN10, and nearby Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Crowborough.

How quickly can work start in Tonbridge?

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

Can I get a free survey in Tonbridge?

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.

Also in Tonbridge

Questions about new tarmac driveways in Tonbridge? Call, WhatsApp or use the form, and we'll talk it through.

Free survey for new surfacing

New tarmac driveways in Tonbridge: get a written quote

Send a postcode and a rough size and we'll arrange a survey. Every quote lists the layers, edging, drainage and VAT.

  • Surface courseDEPTH + MIX
  • Binder courseDEPTH + MIX
  • Sub-baseDEPTH + MATERIAL
  • Edges, drainage, VATITEMISED
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