Tar and chip driveways in Southampton

What does a tar and chip driveway cost in Southampton?

For Southampton, 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)
Tar and chip drive with a new sub-base	£50–£82 per m²
Example: 50 m² drive	£2,500–£4,100
Example: 100 m² drive	£4,950–£8,250
Example: 200 m² drive	£9,400–£15,700

As a 2026 guide in Southampton, tar and chip driveway work runs at about £50–£82 per m² including VAT, so a 100 m² drive is roughly £4,950–£8,250. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Rules that apply in Southampton

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. If the job needs a dropped kerb, the highway authority (the county or unitary council) approves it before any work on the footway.

Where we work in and around Southampton

Survey cover and pricing for Southampton. Southampton is one of the bigger places we cover in Hampshire, so survey slots come round regularly.

Postcodes: SO14, SO15, SO17, SO19, SO18, SO16
Area: Hampshire
Nearest towns: Hythe (3 miles), Totton (4 miles), Hedge End (5 miles), Eastleigh (5 miles)
Pricing: South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

Nearby, we work in Hythe, Totton, Hedge End, Eastleigh, Bishopstoke.

What is included in a tar and chip driveway?

Hot bitumen sprayed and dressed with rolled stone chippings for a gravel look that stays put.

Base prepared: new MOT Type 1 sub-base, or an existing sound tarmac or stone base
Chippings spread straight onto the binder
Rolled to bed the stones in
Loose surplus chippings swept up after a few days
Second coat where a double dressing is specified

Questions about tar and chip driveways in Southampton

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

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 Southampton 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.

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

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

How much does a tar and chip driveway cost in Southampton?

As a 2026 guide in Southampton, tar and chip driveway work runs at about £50–£82 per m² including VAT, so a 100 m² drive is roughly £4,950–£8,250. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

More we do in Southampton

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