Red tarmac driveways in Chatham

How much should I budget in Chatham?

These Chatham guide prices reflect rates in the South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint.

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 Chatham, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £4,100–£6,350. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Where we work in and around Chatham

Chatham at a glance. As one of the larger towns in Kent, Chatham sees regular survey visits.

Postcodes: ME4, ME5
Area: Kent
Nearest towns: Gillingham (1 mile), Rochester (1 mile), Strood (2 miles), Maidstone (8 miles)
Pricing: South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

Close to Chatham: Gillingham, Rochester, Strood, Maidstone, Gravesend.

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

Rules that apply in Chatham

In England, householder permitted development (Class F of the 2015 General Permitted Development Order) lets you lay a hard surface in front of a house without planning permission if it is porous, or if the rainwater is directed to a permeable area within the property. If the area is more than 5 m² and neither applies, you need permission. Standard dense tarmac is not porous, so a dense tarmac drive needs a lawn, border, channel to a soakaway or other permeable route for its water. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Your questions answered

Do you work in my part of Chatham?

We cover Chatham including ME4, ME5, and nearby Gillingham, Rochester, Strood.

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

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).

Is the survey in Chatham 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.

What is the price of a red tarmac driveway in Chatham?

As a 2026 guide in Chatham, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £4,100–£6,350. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Also in Chatham

Questions about red tarmac driveways in Chatham? Call, WhatsApp or use the form, and we'll talk it through.