Tar and chip driveways in Oban

What does a tar and chip driveway cost in Oban?

Local guide rates for Oban (Scotland, including a travel and haulage allowance because work here is by arrangement):

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tar and chip drive with a new sub-base	£49–£81 per m²
Example: 50 m² drive	£2,450–£4,050
Example: 100 m² drive	£4,850–£8,100
Example: 200 m² drive	£9,200–£15,350

As a 2026 guide in Oban, tar and chip driveway work runs at about £49–£81 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £2,450–£4,050. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Where we work in and around Oban

Oban at a glance. Oban is covered by arrangement: we group work in the area to keep travel and haulage costs fair, and confirm any extra cost before you book.

Postcodes: PA34, PA37
Area: Argyll and Bute
Nearest towns: none within easy reach
Pricing: Scotland rates plus a travel allowance (by arrangement)
Cover: By arrangement
Kerb approvals: The council

What we do on a tar and chip driveway

Tar and chip, also called surface dressing, is a layer of bitumen sprayed onto a prepared base and immediately covered with stone chippings, which are rolled in so the surface looks like gravel but behaves like a bound drive.

Base prepared: new MOT Type 1 sub-base, or an existing sound tarmac or stone base
Edges set with kerbs, setts or cobbles
Hot bitumen or emulsion sprayed evenly
Loose surplus chippings swept up after a few days
Second coat where a double dressing is specified

Planning and kerb rules for Oban

In Scotland, permitted development allows a hard surface between a house and a road only if it is porous or the water drains to a porous area within the property. Unlike England there is no 5 m² allowance, so it applies to any size. Conservation areas and the grounds of listed buildings have extra restrictions. The council, as roads authority, controls any new or widened access across a footway.

Your questions answered

Will someone visit before I get a fixed price in Oban?

Oban is covered by arrangement. We confirm any travel cost before booking the survey.

Do I need permission for a tar and chip driveway in Oban?

In Scotland, a hard surface between the house and a road is permitted development only if it is porous or drains to a porous area within the property, whatever its size. Dropped kerbs are approved by the council as roads authority.

Do you work in my part of Oban?

We cover Oban including PA34, PA37. Work here is by arrangement.

How long does a tar and chip driveway take in Oban?

Often 1–3 days depending on base work. We book Oban surveys alongside other jobs in Argyll and Bute, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

Also in Oban

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