Driveways and paths

Permeable tarmac driveways in Argyll and Bute

Permeable tarmac driveways in Argyll and Bute are priced from a site survey and an itemised specification, adjusted for Scotland rates.

ARGYLL AND BUTE GUIDE£86–£135 per m² inc VAT
Porous asphalt driveway draining after rain with no standing water, typical of permeable tarmac driveway work

How much does a permeable tarmac driveway cost in Argyll and Bute?

Rates in Argyll and Bute follow Scotland, about 8% above our UK midpoint. Work here is by arrangement because of travel and haulage.

ItemGuide price (inc VAT)
Porous asphalt drive on a permeable stone base£86–£135 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive£2,850–£4,450
Example: 50 m² drive£4,300–£6,750
Example: 80 m² drive£6,900–£10,800

Towns we cover in Argyll and Bute

Postcode areas: G, PA.

What is included?

A permeable tarmac drive uses porous asphalt, a mix with fewer fine particles so water passes through the gaps, laid on an open-graded stone base that stores the rain and lets it soak into the ground.

  • Ground check: how fast does the soil drain?
  • Dig out deeper than a standard drive to fit the storage layer
  • Geotextile separating layer on the formation
  • Porous asphalt binder and surface courses
  • Overflow to a soakaway or border on slow-draining ground
  • Edge restraint that does not block the flow

Rules in Argyll and Bute

In Scotland, a hard surface between the house and a road is permitted development only if it is porous or drains to a porous area within the property, whatever its size. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from the council as roads authority.

Permeable tarmac driveways in Argyll and Bute: questions

How much does a permeable tarmac driveway cost in Argyll and Bute?

As a 2026 guide, about £86–£135 per m² inc VAT in Argyll and Bute. The survey confirms a fixed price.

Which towns in Argyll and Bute do you cover?

Helensburgh, Dunoon, Oban, by arrangement.

How long does a permeable tarmac driveway take?

Usually 3–5 working days.

Does a permeable drive need planning permission?

In England, a front driveway over 5 m² does not usually need permission if the surface is porous or drains to a permeable area within the property. Permeable tarmac built properly meets that. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.

Other services in Argyll and Bute

Free survey for new surfacing

Get a written tarmac 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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