Red tarmac driveways in Penzance

What does a red tarmac driveway cost in Penzance?

These Penzance guide prices reflect rates in the South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£77–£118 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,550–£3,900
Example: 50 m² drive	£3,850–£5,900
Example: 80 m² drive	£6,200–£9,500

As a 2026 guide in Penzance, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £77–£118 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,550–£3,900. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Covering Penzance

Penzance at a glance. We cover Penzance by grouping surveys with nearby Cornwall jobs; Redruth is 16 miles away.

Postcodes: TR18, TR20, TR17, TR19
Area: Cornwall
Nearest towns: Camborne (12 miles), Redruth (16 miles), Falmouth (21 miles), Truro (24 miles)
Pricing: South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

Nearby, we work in Camborne, Redruth, Falmouth, Truro.

How it is built

Do I need permission in Penzance?

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).

What we do on a red tarmac driveway

Pigmented red asphalt on the same full build, often framed with a charcoal block border.

Full dig-out and MOT Type 1 sub-base, about 150 mm
Red pigmented surface course, about 20–30 mm
Contrasting block or kerb border as edge restraint
Colour sample discussed before ordering
Falls and drainage set as for any new drive

Your questions answered

Do I need permission for a red tarmac driveway in Penzance?

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 long will the work take at my Penzance property?

Usually 2–4 working days. We book Penzance surveys alongside other jobs in Cornwall, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

Is the survey in Penzance free?

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.

Do you cover all of Penzance?

We cover Penzance including TR18, TR20, TR17, TR19, and nearby Camborne, Redruth, Falmouth.

Also in Penzance

Tell us what you have in mind for Penzance and we'll book a survey and put the specification in writing.