Permeable tarmac driveways in Ely
Homeowners in Ely ask us about permeable tarmac driveways for the same reason: a surface that stays flat, drains properly and still looks tidy in ten years. That comes down to the build underneath.

What does a permeable tarmac driveway cost in Ely?
These Ely guide prices reflect rates in the East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Porous asphalt drive on a permeable stone base | £84–£131 per m² |
| Example: 30 m² drive | £2,750–£4,350 |
| Example: 50 m² drive | £4,200–£6,550 |
| Example: 80 m² drive | £6,700–£10,500 |
As a 2026 guide in Ely, permeable tarmac driveway work runs at about £84–£131 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,750–£4,350. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.
Do I need permission in Ely?
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. 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 Ely
Survey cover and pricing for Ely. Ely is covered on our Cambridgeshire rounds, 25 miles from Peterborough.
- Postcodes
- CB6, CB7
- Area
- Cambridgeshire
- Nearest towns
- March (13 miles), St Ives (15 miles), Cambridge (15 miles), Wisbech (19 miles)
- Pricing
- East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint
- Kerb approvals
- The highway authority
Nearby, we work in March, St Ives, Cambridge, Wisbech, Huntingdon.
Layer by layer
What is included in a permeable tarmac driveway?
Open-graded porous asphalt on a deep permeable stone base, so rain soaks through on site.
- Ground check: how fast does the soil drain?
- Open-graded permeable sub-base, often Type 3 or 4/20 stone
- Porous asphalt binder and surface courses
- Overflow to a soakaway or border on slow-draining ground
- Edge restraint that does not block the flow
Questions about permeable tarmac driveways in Ely
What is the price of a permeable tarmac driveway in Ely?
As a 2026 guide in Ely, permeable tarmac driveway work runs at about £84–£131 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,750–£4,350. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.
Can I get a free survey in Ely?
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.
Are there planning or highway rules in Ely?
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).
How quickly can work start in Ely?
Usually 3–5 working days. We book Ely surveys alongside other jobs in Cambridgeshire, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.
Also in Ely
- Tarmac paths and footpaths
- Car park resurfacing
- Red tarmac driveways
- Tarmac driveway repairs
- Car park and yard repairs
- Tarmac driveway resurfacing
- Everything in Ely
Tell us what you have in mind for Ely and we'll book a survey and put the specification in writing.
Permeable tarmac driveways in Ely: 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