New tarmac driveways in Nelson

How much should I budget in Nelson?

For Nelson, we apply the North West rate, about 3% below our UK midpoint. Your survey turns these ranges into a fixed price.

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 Nelson, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £58–£92 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £1,900–£3,050. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Nelson: the local details

The key facts for Nelson. Smaller towns such as Nelson are surveyed alongside nearby jobs in Lancashire.

Postcodes: BB9
Area: Lancashire
Nearest towns: Colne (2 miles), Burnley (3 miles), Accrington (8 miles), Rawtenstall (10 miles)
Pricing: North West, about 3% below our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

We also cover nearby Colne, Burnley, Accrington, Rawtenstall, Haslingden.

The build-up we price

Planning and kerb rules for Nelson

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

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
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
Surface course (AC 6 dense), about 20–30 mm, laid hot and rolled

Your questions answered

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

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 Nelson?

As a 2026 guide in Nelson, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £58–£92 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £1,900–£3,050. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

How long does a new tarmac driveway take in Nelson?

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

Do you cover all of Nelson?

We cover Nelson including BB9, and nearby Colne, Burnley, Accrington.

Other work in Nelson

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