New tarmac driveways in Sunderland

New tarmac driveway prices in Sunderland

Local guide rates for Sunderland (the North East, about 7% below our UK midpoint):

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
New black tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£56–£88 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£1,850–£2,900
Example: 50 m² drive	£2,800–£4,400
Example: 80 m² drive	£4,450–£7,050

As a 2026 guide in Sunderland, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £56–£88 per m² including VAT, so a 80 m² drive is roughly £4,450–£7,050. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

The build-up we price

Rules that apply in Sunderland

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).

Sunderland: the local details

Sunderland at a glance. Sunderland is one of the bigger places we cover in Tyne and Wear, so survey slots come round regularly.

Postcodes: SR1, SR2, SR4, SR5, SR6, SR3
Area: Tyne and Wear
Nearest towns: Seaham (5 miles), Washington (5 miles), Houghton-le-Spring (6 miles), Jarrow (7 miles)
Pricing: North East, about 7% below our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

We also cover nearby Seaham, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, Jarrow, South Shields.

What is included in a new tarmac driveway?

Full dig-out, compacted stone sub-base, binder course and a fine surface course, edged and drained.

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
Concrete-haunched kerbs or a block-paved border as edge restraint
Falls set so water runs to a channel, gully or soft landscaping

Your questions answered

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

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).

Which Sunderland postcodes do you cover?

We cover Sunderland including SR1, SR2, SR4, SR5, SR6, SR3, and nearby Seaham, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring.

How long will the work take at my Sunderland property?

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

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

As a 2026 guide in Sunderland, new tarmac driveway work runs at about £56–£88 per m² including VAT, so a 80 m² drive is roughly £4,450–£7,050. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Other work in Sunderland

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