Red tarmac driveways in Dorchester

Red tarmac driveway prices in Dorchester

Local guide rates for Dorchester (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 Dorchester, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £77–£118 per m² including VAT, so a 80 m² drive is roughly £6,200–£9,500. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Dorchester: the local details

The key facts for Dorchester. Dorchester is covered on our Dorset rounds, 24 miles from Bournemouth.

Postcodes: DT1, DT2
Area: Dorset
Nearest towns: Weymouth (7 miles), Poole (20 miles), Wimborne Minster (20 miles), Ferndown (24 miles)
Pricing: South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

We also cover nearby Weymouth, Poole, Wimborne Minster, Ferndown, Bournemouth.

Planning and kerb rules for Dorchester

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).

The build-up we price

What is included in a red tarmac driveway?

Red tarmac is ordinary asphalt with a red pigment, and often red aggregate, in the surface course, laid on the same sub-base and binder course as a black tarmac drive.

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 Dorchester?

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 does a red tarmac driveway take in Dorchester?

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

Do you cover all of Dorchester?

We cover Dorchester including DT1, DT2, and nearby Weymouth, Poole, Wimborne Minster.

Can I get a free survey in Dorchester?

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.

Other work in Dorchester

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