Red tarmac driveways in Portslade

What does a red tarmac driveway cost in Portslade?

For Portslade, we apply the South East rate, about 10% above our UK midpoint. Your survey turns these ranges into a fixed price.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£82–£127 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,700–£4,150
Example: 50 m² drive	£4,100–£6,350
Example: 80 m² drive	£6,600–£10,100

As a 2026 guide in Portslade, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,700–£4,150. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

The build-up we price

Do I need permission in Portslade?

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).

Portslade: the local details

The key facts for Portslade. Portslade is covered on our East Sussex rounds, 3 miles from Brighton.

Postcodes: BN41, BN42, BN45
Area: East Sussex
Nearest towns: Hove (2 miles), Shoreham-by-Sea (3 miles), Brighton (3 miles), Lancing (5 miles)
Pricing: South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Brighton, Lancing, Worthing.

What the price covers

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
Black AC 20 binder course, about 50–60 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

Is the survey in Portslade 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.

Red tarmac driveway cost in Portslade: what should I budget?

As a 2026 guide in Portslade, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,700–£4,150. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

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

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 Portslade property?

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

Also in Portslade

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