Red tarmac driveways in Harlow

Red tarmac driveway prices in Harlow

Local guide rates for Harlow (the East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint):

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£79–£121 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,600–£4,000
Example: 50 m² drive	£3,950–£6,050
Example: 80 m² drive	£6,300–£9,650

As a 2026 guide in Harlow, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £79–£121 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,600–£4,000. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Do I need permission in Harlow?

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).

What is included in 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

Harlow: the local details

The key facts for Harlow. We cover Harlow as part of our regular Essex rounds.

Postcodes: CM20, CM18, CM17, CM19, CM21, CM16
Area: Essex
Nearest towns: Hoddesdon (5 miles), Ware (6 miles), Bishops Stortford (7 miles), Waltham Abbey (8 miles)
Pricing: East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Hoddesdon, Ware, Bishops Stortford, Waltham Abbey, Cheshunt.

Your questions answered

Do you work in my part of Harlow?

We cover Harlow including CM20, CM18, CM17, CM19, CM21, CM16, and nearby Hoddesdon, Ware, Bishops Stortford.

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

As a 2026 guide in Harlow, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £79–£121 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £2,600–£4,000. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Is the survey in Harlow 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 I need permission for a red tarmac driveway in Harlow?

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).

More we do in Harlow

Send us a postcode, a rough size and a photo or two, and we'll come back with survey dates for Harlow.